How far can we go without Gareth Widdop

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

When we win it won't be a problem, but when we lose it will be a problem.

There's incredible talent out there between Norman, Hunt, Lomax and Dufty, we should be a super competitive and professional outfit. Instead we will ride the roller coaster that is the Dragons under McGregor.

We will never win this comp with or without Widdop given the current coach.

My grey matter says you are more than likely correct.
My heart says otherwise.

 

[SnowDragon]

For me Widdop was our #1 Player the last years, and his injury last year was not one of the major factors in our missing the GF

That said, this year we have Norman... we already had a high level “replacement” in place. Yes that means we didn’t get a star winger, but that hasn’t changed with the injury. We also have Field in reserve if there is another injury, so I feel confident that the loss of Widdop is not a killer for our season.

JDB out atm is an issue, along with Friz short term. Injuries etc. Are key to all teams.

GOOD NEWS
early injuries build team depth
We have good depth in Widdop position
Widdop May still be back

 

[ALSGI]

I thought we were top 4 material a few months back.

I thought losing LAM was huge, until we signed KSims. I thought losing Mann was bad until we signed Norman though still not sold on him he’s a huge upgrade and pretty fortunate for us now. Losing JDB indefinately is bad but great to see Host, Lawrie and Kerr get a shot.

Losing Widdop is huge and I’m a big fan. He will be missed regardless of how we go without him - or will he be missed? I fear he’ll be missed but it’s a huge opportunity to throw the stupid spine rotation out the window and settle down.

I’m still downgrading us from top 4 to top 8 at this stage.

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

A more pressing concern is whether Norman can become a more consistent NRL standard over a prolonged period.

His track record since 2010 suggests he will struggle to maintain the standard required for the team’s overall benefit.

 

[kit66]

We'll know over the next 2 - 3 weeks. I'm thinking Hunt and Norman might settle in a bit better now they know it's all on them, they won't be trying to accommodate a 3rd wheel half / fullback, they can just play their own game. Also, having Dufty back is huge. We're still top 8 material and if JDB comes back we'll give the top 4 a good shake.

 

[Crush]

Timing is better this year.
Last year we lost him at the worst possible time. This year we have a proper half in Norman, last year we had to make do with a utility in Mann.
Bonus will be if Widdop comes back late in the season, he may add that something we need to bring us home in the finals.

 

[41yearsaint]

Timing is better this year.
Last year we lost him at the worst possible time. This year we have a proper half in Norman, last year we had to make do with a utility in Mann.
Bonus will be if Widdop comes back late in the season, he may add that something we need to bring us home in the finals.

Bonus indead. The honeymoon period with Norman will be well and truly over by then. For and against is my worry ATM, for the 8.

 

[Como Connection]

Normy will be the man.
Very confident about that.
Plus I won't miss Widdop’s short kicking game one bit.
CC

 

[Frank Facer]

I don't think losing Widdop is a big deal. I think that Hunt and Norman will probably be better off without Widdop there. A lot depends on JDB. If we get him back in the next few weeks, then I think we have one of the best packs in the comp, even without him, I still think we have one of the best packs in the comp. If Dufty, Norman and Hunt can hit top form, I think we have one of the best spines in the comp. I still have us second pick, even with Widdop not there. With Norman replacing Widdop from last year. I think we look just as strong as last year.

 

[_Johnsy]

Hopefully rnd 19-20

 

[41yearsaint]

Normy will be the man.
Very confident about that.
Plus I won't miss Widdop’s short kicking game one bit.
CC

Aww, how cute.
In a few months he will be leaving his towel on the bathroom floor, not taking the bin out and spending too much time at the pub with his mates.
So his ex says.

 

[Como Connection]

Aww, how cute.
In a few months he will be leaving his towel on the bathroom floor, not taking the bin out and spending too much time at the pub with his mates.
So his ex says.

What ever are you talking about!
I had another bad days golf at Beverley Park today so perhaps it's time for bed for me.
CC

 

[41yearsaint]

 

[j0nesy]

The loss of JDB will affect us more. Love Widdop but he’s not a fullback and his shoulder is goooone. I reckon we’ll sneak into the 8.

 

[LINESPEED]

The loss of JDB will affect us more. Love Widdop but he’s not a fullback and his shoulder is goooone. I reckon we’ll sneak into the 8.

Top 4 with Rorters, Rabbits & Storm if our depth keeps accidentally building

 

[possm]

Everything will depend on the progress of Dufty, Aitken and whoever is on our right wing. I think our forwards are well balanced and will only improve when Frizell returns and if De Belin is successful in lifting the stand down policy.

 

[RufusRex]

in the brief minutes so far we have been without him we looked more organised and won a clutch game ...

i think we will go further because now everyone knows their role.

 

[Water11]

in the brief minutes so far we have been without him we looked more organised and won a clutch game ...

i think we will go further because now everyone knows their role.

I tend to agree on this. Although I like Wids, he's caught trying to solve all the problems and please all. That's impossible under the current makeup. Hopefully the players we have with fantastic skills, elevate themselves above the ludicrous set up we've applied for WAY too long

 

[Glenn012]

How far have we gone with Widdop over the last 5 years?

 

[Dakink]

How far have we gone with McIdiot over the last 5 year's?