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[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


2019 prep underway
Fri 23 Nov 2018, 03:17 PM
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It was all systems go in Wollongong this week with the team almost at capacity in preparation for 2019.







https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/11/23/2019-prep-underway/

 

[getsmarty]

STATE OF ORIGIN


Dragons stars named in NSW Origin extended training squad
Author
NSWRL
Timestamp
Fri 23 Nov 2018, 04:39 PM

Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler has announced his extended squad to take part in a training camp at the soon-to-open NSWRL Centre of Excellence on Friday 14 December.

Fittler has named 32 players in the squad, including the 19 players he used over three games who won the 2018 State of Origin series to return the Shield home for the first time since 2014.

Other players who have been named in the extended squad include Parramatta Eels winger Blake Ferguson, Newcastle Knights halfback Mitchell Pearce, South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Cameron Murray and Brisbane Broncos forward Tevita Pangai Junior.

"For most of them it will be the first time we've seen them since after the series," Fittler said.

"It puts a full-stop on finalising the year and getting their feedback from this year's series, and also allows us an opportunity to look ahead for our defence of the Shield in 2019.

"It's always beneficial to get them to spend time together. We won't be training but having them around each other will only further strengthen the bond they formed this year."

An emerging NSW Blues squad is still in the process of being finalised and will be announced in the near future for a training camp on Thursday 13 December.

Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues extended training squad

Jack Bird (Brisbane Broncos)
Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Penrith Panthers)
Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
Josh Addo-Carr (Melbourne Storm)
Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Nick Cotric (Canberra Raiders)
Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters)
Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters)
Jack De Belin (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Dale Finucane (Melbourne Storm)
Blake Ferguson (Parramatta Eels)
Tyson Frizell (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Wade Graham (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Ryan James (Gold Coast Titans)
Josh Jackson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Luke Keary (Sydney Roosters)
David Klemmer (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
James Maloney (Penrith Panthers)
Jordan McLean (North Queensland Cowboys)
Latrell Mitchell (Sydney Roosters)
Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Tyrone Peachey (Gold Coast Titans)
Mitchell Pearce (Newcastle Knights)
Tevita Pangai Junior (Brisbane Broncos)
Matt Prior (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
James Roberts (Brisbane Broncos)
Tariq Sims (St George Illawarra Dragons)
James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)
Jake Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Tom Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Paul Vaughan (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Aaron Woods (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...-named-in-nsw-origin-extended-training-squad/

 

[getsmarty]

TOOHEY'S NEWS | Knights refuse to swap Shaun Kenny-Dowall for Dragons utility Kurt Mann

• Local Sport
  
  
  
  Shaun Kenny-Dowall
• 
  
• Shaun Kenny-Dowall is the highest profile Newcastle Knights player off contract at the end of next season.
  
  But while his longer term future is yet to be decided, his immediate value to the club was borne out earlier this week when coach Nathan Brown knocked back an approach for the big winger from a rival club.
  
  St George Illawarra officials made overtures to the Knights about an immediate trade involving Kenny-Dowall and Dragons utility and Newcastle recruitment target Kurt Mann.
  
  Brown wants Mann at the club to play hooker next season but wasn’t about to let SKD go to make it happen.
  
  The coach did speak to his winger about it and was told he didn’t want to leave Newcastle anyway. Case closed.
  
  While he cops plenty of stick whenever he makes the odd clanger, SKD didn’t miss a game last season and by our reckoning, was in the top five best players for the Knights during the season.
  
  But just because the trade didn’t happen doesn’t mean the club is resigned to missing out on Mann.
  
  The inside word is the Knights remain cautiously optimistic of signing him to a three year deal but it just might take a little longer now that the Jarryd Hayne negotiations with the Dragons are dead and they are still looking for another outside back.
  
  Mann wants a release to rejoin the Knights, the club he left as a teenager a few years ago when Melbourne came knocking.
  
  He is said to be keen to make a fulltime switch to hooker and the indication was the Dragons were unlikely to stand in his way if he got a longer term offer elsewhere to secure his future provided they could find a replacement.
  
  
• https://www.theherald.com.au/story/...s-reject-dragons-bid-for-player-swap/?cs=7580

 

[dragonssamy61]

Thank god SKD for mann fell though.

 

[dragon-83]

Secret NRL State of the Game document proves Brisbane’s overwhelming advantage
Phil Rothfield, The Daily Telegraph
November 24, 2018 7:55pm
Subscriber only

• MORE BUZZ: Saint, sinner, shoosh
• HE’S STAYING: Bennett will coach Brisbane in 2019

A secret NRL State of the Game document has revealed the extraordinary monopoly the Broncos hold over their premiership rivals that will escalate demands for a second Brisbane team.

The report exposes the Broncos’ overwhelming dominance in sponsorship earnings, corporate support, game day revenue, membership income, merchandise sales and staffing numbers that obliterate their rivals.

The confidential document on the 2017 season reveals the Broncos are the only club in the NRL to be making a profit and that only a second Brisbane team will level the playing field and ensure the future fairness and integrity of the competition.

The reports shows:

* The Broncos have 81 full time football club staff compared to rival teams that operate on shoestring budgets with less than 30 employees.

* They also have the highest commercial revenue of $32.9 million, three times more than struggling Sydney based clubs the Manly Sea Eagles, the Wests Tigers and the Parramatta Eels.

Brisbane’s resources dwarf the rest of the competition. AAP Image/Dave Hunt.
* The Broncos also make $7.3 million in game day revenue over the season, more than double their nearest rivals the Penrith Panthers, who make $3 million. The Warriors, Sharks and Eels ($1.1 million) and the Bulldogs ($1 million) were hopelessly out of the Broncos’ range.

* Brisbane have 36,298 members spending an average of $186, compared to the Bulldogs whose 18,000 members spend an average of only $58.50.

Interestingly Melbourne Storm members spend the most in the competition, an average of $262.

The report shows clubs across the games have focused on the acquisition of members above profitability.

Memberships grew eight per cent but membership revenue increased by only two per cent. The Panthers average only $70 per member because they give away so many freebies.

Also members use only 50 per cent of their ticket entitlements which leaves thousands of empty seats at ‘sold-out’ games.

MORE NRL NEWS...

The NRL ranked the 16 clubs on a viability scorecard taking into account ticket sales, sponsorship, corporate hospitality, memberships, merchandise sales and game day revenue.

The Broncos blew their rivals away in every category.

In sponsorship the Parramatta Eels, the Canberra Raiders, the Sea Eagles and the Wests Tigers were the worst performing clubs. The Gold Coast Titans were by far the worst in merchandise sales.

The news will increase calls for a second Brisbane team. AAP Image/Dave Hunt.
The report will increase calls for expansion and a second team in Brisbane.

For too long the Broncos have had a city (2.4 million population) to themselves while nine Sydney clubs are competing against in other in the one market.

It is astounding they have not won a premiership since 2006 considering their financial superiority,

At least the NRL is soon to implement a cap on coaching staff spending to stop the Broncos and the wealthier clubs from getting too far ahead of their rivals.

The document reveals great detail the costs of running an NRL club in the modern era.

* The average wage of an NRL head coach is $611,000. Five coaches were on more than $750,000 a season. Twelve coaches have free cars. Some coaches are on as little as $350,000 while the likes of Craig Bellamy and Wayne Bennett are on over $1 million.

* The average salary for a chief executive was $411,000

From the daily telegraph

A bit off topic interesting read but know surprise

 

[getsmarty]

Dufty knows what is required to land new Dragons deal
Christian Nicolussi23 November 2018 — 3:42pm

Pint-sized St George Illawarra No.1 Matt Dufty was reminded by coach Paul McGregor this week he was safe for next year - but also knows what areas of his game he must immediately improve if he is to convince the club to stick with him for the long haul.

Dufty was forced to confront McGregor a few weeks ago when headlines emerged he was being shopped around and how the Dragons were in talks with possible fullback replacement Jarryd Hayne.

Under no illusions: Matt Dufty knows what he has to do to secure his future.Credit:AAP

The Dragons interest in Hayne later cooled, and before police charged him with aggravated sexual assault over an alleged incident on NRL grand final night.

Dufty, 22, said his relationship with McGregor could not be better and the pair had a good conversation on Monday.

"He told me, 'if you've ever got any concerns give me a call, I'll always be honest with you', which is what you want to hear from your head coach,'' Dufty told Fairfax Media. "I remember my mum called and was upset after [an article] about me being released, I called [assistant coach] Ben Hornby because we have a good relationship, he said not to listen to it, and when I saw Mary the next day he said, 'there's no way we're ever releasing you'.

"That's what I wanted to hear. Obviously the club was interested in Hayne because we we're still short a winger or outside back, and he would have been a great asset to the club.

"The club has some other on-going contract stuff they're figuring out at the moment, and I still have a deal for 2019, so there's still time to get something done. I just need to rip into the pre-season and do things right and prove I'm worth keeping around."

It's understood Dufty's management have made some discreet inquiries to rival clubs about 2020.

At just 82kg, Dufty's size has the potential to entice several clubs to pass, but it has never been an issue with McGregor.

"I played every game last year, Mary told me he was happy with my first full season, I had lot of good moments but a few bad moments," Dufty said.

"To reach my full potential he wants me to bring those two closer together.

"All the little things in effort areas like catching balls on the full and support play, that's what he wants.

"I'll never be biggest player or fullback in comp, but things I'm good at is attacking, he knows that and wants me to work on the other side of the game in defence and with the efforts."

Gareth Widdop did the job at fullback for England during the World Cup 12 months ago, and was an option for McGregor as Dufty started to feel the physical and mental pinch late in the season.

But Dufty isn't feeling pressure from the Englishman and says with another pre-season under their belts Ben Hunt and Widdop will "probably be the best halves in the comp".


https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/du...to-land-new-dragons-deal-20181123-p50hun.html

 

[BLM01]

For me I see that is the problem with mary to a T. His go to Mantra now for our team and any player is "bring the distance between your best and worst games closer together". God knows where he pilfered that from but it shows me work on your weaknessess and be consistent, we or you will be fine and reach the potential.
What about also "Making your best better".."or who knows where your potential may reach too" I would rather hear them strive for reaching for the stars or perfection.
I just dont think Mary has the ideas and innovation to get the best out of anyone pushing for excellence.
Whilst he is mate, man manager and maybe hard task master to the players he is too accepting to be that next level of a coach.

 

[getsmarty]

STATE OF ORIGIN


Fittler names five Dragons in Emerging Blues squad
Author
NSWRL
Timestamp
Mon 26 Nov 2018, 01:34 PM

Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler has reminded the game's rising stars a Blues jumper is a possibility in 2019 after naming his Emerging Blues squad to take part in a training camp at the soon-to-open Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Thursday 13 December.

Fittler named a 23-man squad which includes rising stars on the cusp of NSW selection for State of Origin and others who have been identified as potential players for the future. Last year's squad saw Nathan Cleary, Angus Crichton and Latrell Mitchell graduate to play for the Blues in 2018.

It's the second group of players that Fittler has picked in the past few days. The extended Origin train-on squad named on Friday (23 November) will come together at the CoE on Friday 14 December.

"The majority of players named are young, have stood out in their age groups and representative teams and had a big influence, and any time they make these types of squads is important," Fittler said.

"We're giving time to meet these players and while we don't have time to train it's very important to get to know them for the future plans of NSW."

The squad includes Rugby League Players Association Rookie of the Year Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Dally M Halfback of The Year Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers), rookie prop Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos) and centre Jesse Ramien (Newcastle Knights).

The NSW Emerging Blues squad (in club and alphabetical order) is:

Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)
Matt Lodge (Brisbane Broncos)
Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane Broncos)
Jayden Brailey (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Kyle Flanagan (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Curtis Scott (Melbourne Storm)
Jesse Ramien (Newcastle Knights)
Daniel Saifiti (Newcastle Knights)
Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels)
Waqa Blake (Penrith Panthers)
Shawn Blore (Penrith Panthers)
Jack Hetherington (Penrith Panthers)
Dylan Edwards (Penrith Panthers)
Moses Leota (Penrith Panthers)
Campbell Graham (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Robert Jennings (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Euan Aitken (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Blake Lawrie (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Zac Lomax (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Cameron McInnes (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Reece Robson (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters)
Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers)

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/11/26/fittler-names-five-dragons-in-emerging-blues-squad/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


St George Illawarra Dragons: Best photos of 2018
Mon 26 Nov 2018, 03:01 PM
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The best shots of the St George Illawarra Dragons from the 2019 Telstra Premiership season.

https://www.nrl.com/SysSiteAssets/2....jpg?center=0.461,0.466&preset=photo-enlarged

Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
Dragons halfback Ben Hunt.


Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
Tyson Frizell with an Anzac Medal.

https://www.nrl.com/SysSiteAssets/2....jpg?center=0.296,0.498&preset=photo-enlarged
Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
Dragons forward Tyson Frizell.

https://www.nrl.com/SysSiteAssets/2....jpg?center=0.413,0.471&preset=photo-enlarged
Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
The Dragons with the Alex McKinnon Cup.


Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
Nene Macdonald scores in the corner.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...george-illawarra-dragons-best-photos-of-2018/

 

[getsmarty]

November Nines 2018
The Illawarra Women's November Nines Tournament was played over four weeks in November. WATCH the highlights from the final days' play.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/11/27/november-nines-2018/

 

[getsmarty]

Report: Gareth Widdop shocks Dragons with release request
Dragons playmaker Gareth Widdop has shocked club officials after asking for a release with three years left on his contract.

St George Illawarra Dragons’ playmaker Gareth Widdop has shocked club officials after asking for an immediate release from the joint venture.

The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting the English international cited homesickness as the reason for wanting to leave the club despite having three years remaining on his $1 million-a-year contract.

Widdop combined with big-money signing Ben Hunt to lead the Dragons to the finals last season before shoulder injuries forced the star five-eighth to undergo off-season surgery.

The shock announcement could leave the door open for the Dragons to target unwanted Warriors star Shaun Johnson.

Gareth Widdop. Picture: GettySource:Getty Images

Johnson, the face of rugby league in New Zealand, is on the verge of quitting his beloved Warriors after requesting a formal release on Tuesday from the final year of his contract in 2019.

The Warriors are yet to offer Johnson a contract beyond 2019 and several clubs had already made discreet inquiries after the 28-year old.

Johnson has reportedly not taken the news well given he is used to being one of the club’s priority re-signings since he debuted in 2011.

The New Zealand international took to Facebook to tell his side of the story and confirmed he would “spread my wings and see what’s out there.”

But it’s the Dragons biggest rival Cronulla who are in the box seat to lure the 28-year-old Kiwi Test halfback, with a potential four-year offer in the pipeline.

The circling Sharks are eager to lure Johnson before the new season by offering the 162-game veteran a new deal once their recruitment team meet to finalise the offer on Wednesday.


https://www.news.com.au/sport/break...t/news-story/bc373bef6a9a6d87d98e756634a744b5

 

[getsmarty]

Widdop shocks Dragons with request for release

• Dragons Den
  
  
  
  EARLY EXIT: Dragons skipper Gareth Widdop reportedly wants out of the final three years of his deal with the club. Picture: NRL Photos
  St George Illawarra captain Gareth Widdop has shocked club officials by asking for a release from his contract.
  
  Widdop is contracted to the Red V for the next three seasons on a deal worth about $1 million per year.
  
  However, Fairfax Media can reveal he has approached the Dragons hierarchy about immediately cutting ties, citing homesickness and a desire to return to England.
  
  The request caught the club hierarchy completely off guard and threatens to throw pre-season preparations into turmoil.
  
  As the joint-venture outfit’s inspirational skipper and playmaker, Widdop’s departure would create a huge void.
  
  Given the lack of talent on the open market at this time of the season, he would be almost impossible to adequately replace.
  
  St George Illawarra officials don’t want to keep anyone in their organisation against their will given the unsettling effect it would have on the team.
  
  However, they are expected to reject Widdop’s request given his importance to their premiership hopes.
  
  Widdop is only one season into his new halves combination with Ben Hunt but already it has paid dividends, the pair steering the Dragons into the second week of the finals.
  
  Their partnership is expected to get better with experience, although the latest development could mean they have played together for the last time.
  
  The Dragons are only just getting over the shock of having to put a line through main recruitment target, Jarryd Hayne. The two-time Dally M medallist was on the club’s radar until he was charged with aggravated sexual assault.
  
  It means a backline already missing the retired Jason Nightingale and Cowboys signing Nene Macdonald is at least a marquee man short.
  
  With Hayne out of the picture, the Dragons now face the prospect of also having to part company with arguably their most valuable player. It’s understood several Super Leagues clubs - Huddersfield among them - are watching the situation with interest.
  
  Widdop grew up in Yorkshire, made his name at the Melbourne Storm and is one of the first picked in Wayne Bennett’s England team.
  
  The 29-year-old has previously considered moving back to the United Kingdom to finish his career, but this is the first occasion he has applied for a release.
  
  Widdop isn’t the only key Dragon with a clouded future. Coach Paul McGregor is also off contract at the end of next season, with powerbrokers to wait to see how the side begins its campaign before deciding whether to offer him an extension.
  
  NSW forward Tariq Sims is also off contract, although he is expected to recommit to the club.
  
  Widdop may not be the only marquee half on the move. Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson, already told he won’t be offered a new deal once his current one expires, has reportedly asked for a release from the final year of his contract.
  
  It’s understood the Warriors aren’t budging at present but they too face the conundrum of having a star player who doesn’t want to be there.
  
  If Johnson is granted a release, it could prompt the Dragons to more favourably consider Widdop’s application if the Kiwis No.7 is prepared to shift to the Sydney outfit.
  
  Johnson took to social media on Tuesday to outline his position.
  
  "I thought it's best I clear a couple things up regarding my situation at this stage with the Warriors," Johnson wrote. "Firstly, there is no contract for me to sign past 2019.
  
  "Secondly if you saw the article that came out a few weeks back ... they said they are in no rush to re-sign me. Since then they have told me again at this stage they (won't) be offering me anything.
  
  "That means I get to spread my wings and see what's out there so right now that's what I'm doing!".
  
  The latest developments come just a day after David Klemmer was released from Canterbury to join Newcastle, while the Roosters releasing Dylan Napa to join the Bulldogs.

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...cks-dragons-with-request-for-release/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Widdop set to leave Dragons after 2019 season
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 28 Nov 2018, 08:29 AM

St George Illawarra captain Gareth Widdop is set to leave the Dragons at the end of next season for the chance at a "fairy tale" end to his career in England.

The England playmaker, who was on a scholarship with Halifax before moving to Melbourne with his family as a teenager, has told St George Illawarra officials of his passion to play in Super League while still at the peak of his game.

Widdop, recovering from shoulder surgery that sidelined him from the recent Test series defeat of New Zealand, turns 30 in March and wants to move to England next season or in 2020.

He is contracted to St George Illawarra until the end of the 2021 season but it is expected the club will release him from the final two years of the deal to return to England.

A number of Super League clubs would be keen on Widdop's services if he was available but it is unlikely any have the money to accommodate the signing of a player of his standing for next season, with Huddersfield officials telling reporters in England they were not in a position to make an offer now.

Wigan and Hull FC appear to be the most likely options as they would have a marquee spot available in their rosters.

Widdop has played 185 NRL matches for the Dragons and Storm but has repeatedly stated since making his debut with Melbourne in 2010 that he wanted to play in Super League at some stage during his career.

In an interview while in England for the 2015 Test series against the Kiwis, Widdop said it would be a "fairy tale to end my career here".

Signings Tracker: Confirmed 2019 squads & contracts

St George Illawarra in 2019
Where will the Dragons finish?

St George Illawarra in 2019 Where will the Dragons finish?

• They'll be premiers
  0%
• In the finals but no title
  0%
• Just miss out on the playoffs
  0%
• Around the bottom of the ladder
  0%

https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/11/28/gareth-widdop-set-to-leave-dragons-after-2019-season/

 

[getsmarty]

Mark Gasnier admits Gareth Widdop is the hardest player for the Dragons to replace
NRL Premiership

• November 28, 2018 2:28pm
• Mark St John@markdfstjohn
• Source: FOX SPORTS

Gareth Widdop and Dragons coach Paul McGregor at training.Source: AAP
Gareth Widdop’s reported request for a release from the Dragons is a bitter blow to Paul McGregor’s premiership plans for 2019.
Club great Mark Gasnier admits Widdop’s is the hardest position to fill given the skipper’s influence on the team.

“He is a hard one to replace because in the past two or three years he has taken control of the team,” Gasnier told Foxsports.com.au.

Widdop requests release


“I think it showed this year that when he didn’t play there ... the Dragons weren’t the same team.

“There are a few options already within the roster that could step up, but it is not just a little change, you are talking about the captain of your club and your chief playmaker.

“If there is a position or a player on the Dragons’ roster that you don’t want to lose, well this holds the most disruption to the squad.”

Gasnier said he was shocked by the reports given his experiences with Widdop over the past few seasons.


However, he conceded if the release has been offered, the club needs to act fast, with the 2019 campaign just around the corner.

Widdop is on a deal reportedly worth around $1 million a season, which would free up a lot of cap space to chase a star like Shaun Johnson, who has been released by the Warriors.

However, Gasnier does not believe Widdop would leave the club without the Dragons being able to secure a suitable replacement.

“I don’t think he would leave the club in a position where he packs up and goes and leaves the Dragons with a big hole in their cap,” he said.

“There is so much expectation from the players within the club. I know they really believe they have the roster to do some damage in 2019, so I don’t think he would want to bring that all undone.

“I don’t think he would say, give me a release or I’m not going to play anyway.”

Johnson has been linked to a number of clubs including the Sharks, Roosters and the Raiders.

However if he were to be interested in joining the Dragons, Gasnier believes Johnson would be an ideal fit.

Gareth Widdop in action against Manly last season.Source: Getty Images
“Without a doubt Johnson would do well,” Gasnier said.

“I think Johnson’s game would be very well suited because there is some structure at the Dragons, but McGregor would give him a free licence.

“The Dragons do have a really good pack and with good back-rowers next to him in Tariq Sims and Tyson Frizell, there are two players that have played Origin.

“That would really play into his hands and I think that is someone they would have a look at and see what sort of money and terms he is after.”

If the Dragons fail to secure a player of the calibre of Johnson to replace Widdop, it would put extra pressure on million-dollar man Ben Hunt to direct the team.


Hunt struggled last season in games where Widdop was forced out through injury, but Gasnier thinks he has the potential to step up if he has the right support.

“Sometimes it can make someone like Benny Hunt’s game go to the next level, but it could go either way,” Gasnier admitted.

“It could affect him or he could go to another level and really take hold of the team, but it depends on the replacements.

“I would still have them up in my top eight, but you have to be brutally honest and if you take Widdop out of that team, their attack is nowhere near as good.”

Should the Dragons lose Widdop and miss out on signing Johnson, Gasnier warns the club should take their time to sign the right player.

However, Gasnier said he sympathised with Widdop, having spent time playing rugby union in France before returning to of home.

“I definitely know what it is like to get homesick having lived overseas and it was not as long as him,” Gasnier said.

“You can never put yourself in someone’s shoes and living overseas gets hard at times.

“Anytime I have spoken to Gareth, I was always of the assumption that even when he retires he would be staying around in Australia.

“He is on the Northern Beaches of Wollongong and he has always loved it, so it does come as a surprise, but you never know.

“He has come back from a tour with the England side, with the Test series against New Zealand, so that probably sparked the homesickness.”


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...k=d7caa449b124d062748b51baf2788fab-1543378529

 

[ViceVersa]

St George Illawarra star Gareth Widdop has no set plans for UK return
NOVEMBER 28, 2018

Don't despair Dragons fans, Gareth Widdop's manager is adamant the star five-eighth will be at St George Illawarra next season.

In fact, he may not leave at all.

Reports their captain wanted to quit the Dragons because of homesickness sent the Red V faithful into a frenzy on Wednesday. It came just hours after Shaun Johnson was released from the final year of his New Zealand Warriors deal.

But Widdop's agent Paul Sutton told The Daily Telegraph the England international had not asked for a release hasn't set a date for a return to the UK.

Widdop has told Saints officials he does harbour a desire to one day return to his homeland but hasn't indicated when.

Sutton said Widdop would have to give the Dragons at least a year's notice for the club to secure a new, elite halfback.

The most likely option would be Widdop leaving St George Illawarra with one year remaining on his contract in 2021.

"Gareth will definitely be at St George Illawarra next year," Sutton told The Daily Telegraph. "He hasn't asked for a release, he may see out the entire contract. At some point in the future he expressed an interest in returning to England."

The 29-year-old has been in Australia since he was 16 and St George Illawarra officials would need some strong convincing to allow Widdop to walk away early if being homesick was the reason cited.

The Dragons also know that freeing Widdop after next season means they would be going head-to-head in the market with the Sydney Roosters with Cooper Cronk retiring, in searching for a quality half.

Before signing his most recent contract just last year, which was worth $1 million a season, Halifax-born Widdop did express am ambition to return home given he joined the Melbourne Storm system at 16.

"It's not immediate, it may be never. It's just something in the back of his mind", a friend close to Widdop said.

"He will be there next year. The club doesn't have to let him go and he certainly hasn't drawn a line in the sand."

"It's like three guys sitting around a table having a beer and one says he might go to England, and that's it. It's all got out of hand."

Speculation Widdop wanted out alerted several English clubs, who have had internal discussions about moves to recruit the No.6.

Huddersfield has revealed an interest in Widdop if he suddenly wanted out, while Hull FC and Wigan are other likely suitors.

"If he's available, we would obviously be interested and we have a marquee spot available," said Giants coach and former Dragons hooker, Simon Woolford.

Widdop once described finishing his career in England as a fairytale.

The 29-year-old did not play in the recent England-New Zealand Test series due to a shoulder injury.

 

[getsmarty]

Widdop committed to Dragons for 2019

• 
  Mitch Jennings

Local Sport

HERE FOR NOW: Dragons skipper Gareth Widdop has committed to remaining with the club for 2019, but gave no guarantees over the final two years of his contract. Picture: NRL Photos

DRAGONS captain Gareth Widdop will remain with the club for the 2019 season, but looks at very long odds to see out the final two years of his current deal.

Fairfax Media sent the NRL transfer market into the meltdown on Wednesday when it reported Widdop had sought an immediate release to pursue a long-held dream of playing in the English Super League.

It comes just one season into the four-year contract extension he signed with the club in 2017, a year after being made skipper of the famous club.

The deal was meant to lock-down a long-term scrum-base partnership with Ben Hunt – who is currently one year into a six-season deal – but plans appear to have gone up in smoke.

Addressing the reports on Wednesday, the 29-year-old made no secret of his desire to one day play in the Super League, but refuted suggestions he wants out immediately.

“I just want to put it to bed, I have not asked for a release for 2019, it’s all just speculation,” Widdop told the Dragons website.

“I think it’s no secret that I do have aspirations of going over to the UK and playing. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I’ve got a good relationship with the club and, we’ll work together both parties, and when the time’s right to head over I will.

“I want to say to all the members, fans and the little kids out there, I understand my importance to this team and my position being the captain and leader of this club.

“I will be here in 2019 and can't wait for the season to start.”

The comments made no mention of 2020 or 2021, with his exit at the end of next season appearing inevitable.

Dragons recruitment chief Ian Millward admitted the club has been in discussions about Widdop’s long-term future that were hastened by Wednesday’s media revelations.

"The club has been in discussions with Gareth for a number of weeks concerning his future at the Dragons,” Millward said.

"We understand his circumstances and he understands ours, and this is something we plan on working through together."

The bombshell revelations came on the same day Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson was granted a release, effective immediately, after being told he wasn’t part of the club’s plans beyond 2019.

It fueled suggestions he could link with the Dragons but the Kiwi International looks poised to sign with Cronulla as a replacement for NFL hopeful Valentine Holmes.

Should Widdop leave at the conclusion of next season, it would leave the Dragons with a considerable war chest with which to find a replacement.

The Widdop saga latest chapter in the wider circus involving players and coaches, coming a day after Newcastle confirmed the long-mooted signing of NSW prop David Klemmer.

It came after former club Canterbury secured the services of former Roosters enforcer Dylan Napa, while Broncos coach Wayne Bennett and Souths mentor Anthony Seibold remain subject to rumours a swap is imminent though both clubs have issued denials.


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5784006/widdop-committed-to-dragons-for-2019/?cs=302

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Dragons statement: Gareth Widdop
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Wed 28 Nov 2018, 06:20 PM

The St George Illawarra Dragons wish to advise that captain Gareth Widdop has been in discussions with the club regarding his playing future for a number of weeks.

Dragons officials held another planned meeting with Widdop today to discuss his future at the club, where he is presently contracted until the end of the 2021 Telstra Premiership season.

Widdop has not requested a release from his playing contract and has committed himself to the Red V for the 2019 season.

However, throughout discussions, Widdop has reiterated his long-held desire about finishing his career in the English Super League, and asked the Dragons to consider a potential return to his country of birth in the coming years.

The 29-year-old also expressed an understanding of the club's situation and a strong desire to work with the Dragons surrounding this matter.

"I want to put to bed that I haven't asked a release for 2019. To all the members, fans and the little kids out there, I understand my importance to this team and my position as the captain and leader of this club. I will be here in 2019 and can't wait for the season to start," Widdop said.

"There's no secret I have aspirations of going over to the UK and playing. It's something I've always wanted to do. I have a good relationship with the club and so when the time is right we'll work together."

There has been no decision by either party regarding any timeframes surrounding a potential release for Widdop.

"The club has been in discussions with Gareth for a number of weeks concerning his future at the Dragons," Director of Rugby League Pathways and List Management Ian Millward said.

"We understand his circumstances and he understands ours, and this is something we plan on working through together."

The club will provide further updates regarding this matter where possible and as appropriate.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/11/28/dragons-statement-gareth-widdop/


P.S Good on the Club and Gareth for addressing this so quickly...Media was getting out of hand.

 

[getsmarty]

Gareth Widdop denies asking for release from St George Illawarra Dragons but says he will play Super League 'when the time is right'

• Local Sport
  
  
  
  Not walking away yet: St George Illawarra captain Gareth Widdop had reportedly asked for a release from his contract with the Dragons. Picture: John Veage
• 
  
• Gareth Widdop says he has not asked for a release from his contract and will be playing with the Dragons in 2019 – but is keen to play in the English Super League “when the time is right”.
  
  Fairfax Mediareported the St George Illawarra captain had asked for a release from the final three years of the four-year contract he signed in April last year.
  
  The Sydney Morning Herald revealed Widdop had approached the Dragons hierarchy about immediately cutting ties with the club, citing homesickness and a desire to return to England.
  
  Widdop said it a statement on Wednesday night that he was committed to the Dragons for 2019 but did not rule out a move to England in the future.
  
  “I want to put to bed that I haven't asked a release for 2019,” he said.
  
  “To all the members, fans and the little kids out there, I understand my importance to this team and my position as the captain and leader of this club.
  
  “I will be here in 2019 and can't wait for the season to start.
  
  "There's no secret I have aspirations of going over to the UK and playing. It's something I've always wanted to do. I have a good relationship with the club and so when the time is right we'll work together.”
  
  The Dragons said in a statement there had been no decision by either party regarding any time frame surrounding a potential release for Widdop.
  
  Widdop has been outstanding for the Dragons for the last two years, proving himself as one of the elite halves in the competition.
  
  But he has also had to endure frustrating periods on the sidelines, suffering a medial ligament tear in the 2017 Anzac Day fixture and a serious shoulder injury that ended his 2018 campaign.
  
  The 29-year-old helped steer the Dragons to the second week of the finals last campaign, forming a dangerous halves combination with former Queensland halfback Ben Hunt.
  
  Widdop grew up in Yorkshire and Fairfax Media understand several Super Leagues clubs - Huddersfield among them - have been watching the situation with interest.
  
  Coach Paul McGregor is also off contract at the end of the 2019 season. The Dragons have already lost Jason Nightingale (retirement) and Nene Macdonald (Cowboys) for next season.
  
  Dragons director of rugby league pathways and list management Ian Millward said the club had been in discussions with Widdop for a number of weeks concerning his future.
  
  "We understand his circumstances and he understands ours and this is something we plan on working through together,” he said.

https://www.theleader.com.au/story/...-dragons-for-2019-but-future-unclear/?cs=1633

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Widdop says he committed to Dragons for 2019
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 28 Nov 2018, 08:29 AM

Gareth Widdop has issued a statement to say he has not and will not be asking for a release from his St George Illawarra contract for next season but his future at the club beyond 2019 is not so certain.

Widdop appears set to leave the Dragons at the end of next season for the chance at a "fairytale" end to his career in England.

"I want to put to bed that I haven't asked a release for 2019. To all the members, fans and the little kids out there, I understand my importance to this team and my position as the captain and leader of this club. I will be here in 2019 and can't wait for the season to start," Widdop said.

"There's no secret I have aspirations of going over to the UK and playing. It's something I've always wanted to do. I have a good relationship with the club and so when the time is right we'll work together."

The Dragons say they have been in discussions with Widdop regarding his playing future "for a number of weeks".

Dragons officials held a meeting with Widdop on Wednesday to discuss his future at the club - he is contracted until the end of the 2021 Telstra Premiership season.

Widdop addresses his future with the Dragons

The 29-year-old also expressed an understanding of the club's situation and a strong desire to work with the Dragons surrounding this matter.

There has been no decision by either party regarding any timeframes surrounding a potential release.

"The club has been in discussions with Gareth for a number of weeks concerning his future at the Dragons," Director of pathways and list management Ian Millward said.

Gareth Widdop's 2018 season highlights

"We understand his circumstances and he understands ours, and this is something we plan on working through together."

The England playmaker, who was on a scholarship with Halifax before moving to Melbourne with his family as a teenager, has told St George Illawarra officials of his passion to play in Super League while still at the peak of his game.

Widdop, who is recovering from shoulder surgery that sidelined him from the recent Test series defeat of New Zealand, turns 30 in March.

A number of Super League clubs would be keen on Widdop's services if he was available but it is unlikely any have the money to accommodate the signing of a player of his standing for next season, with Huddersfield officials telling reporters in England they were not in a position to make an offer now.

Wigan and Hull FC appear to be the most likely options as they would have a marquee spot available in their rosters.

In case you missed it: Player movement update

Widdop has played 185 NRL matches for the Dragons and Storm but has repeatedly stated since making his debut with Melbourne in 2010 that he wanted to play in Super League at some stage during his career.

In an interview while in England for the 2015 Test series against the Kiwis, Widdop said it would be a "fairytale to end my career here".


https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/11/28/gareth-widdop-set-to-leave-dragons-after-2019-season/

 

[getsmarty]

Widdop fronts media amid contract speculation
Gareth Widdop fronted the media today to further discuss speculation surrounding his playing contract ahead of the 2019 Telstra Premiership season.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/11/29/widdop-committed-to-the-dragons/