WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN
Smith plays heavy to whip Widders into shape
By Ray Gatt
June 19, 2004
DEAN WIDDERS figured what was coming. When Parramatta coach Brian Smith called him into his office during the pre-season, it wasn't for a friendly chat.
"He wanted to sack me ... no, he didn't ... actually, yeah, he did. He wanted to sack me," Widders said yesterday.
"I'd come back for pre-season (training) a bit overweight and Brian told me he didn't want me anymore. I wasn't in the plans."
It wasn't the first time the talented utility had been put under the gun in the 2 1/2 seasons he has been at the Eels. Smith had used the words "at the crossroads" before, but this time they had a more drastic meaning. He was being shown the road.
"But one thing led to another and I ended up having to stay," Widders said.
Six months on, life could not be better for the 24-year-old from the NSW northern tableland town of Armidale as he starts to have an impact with the resurgent Eels.
"Yeah, I'm happy. Everyone at the club is enjoying their footy and staying positive. It's been a whole heap of fun," he said.
"I'm just enjoying playing well.
"Even when losing, I still thought every week I get to go out and live my dream and play in the NRL. It's just a big thrill to play every week."
However, it wasn't always that way and Widders concedes he had an up-and-down existence with the club after joining from the Roosters at the end of the 2001 season.
That was mainly due to his inconsistency and battle to control his weight.
"It was a matter of trying to find my feet and physically develop my body, so I was able to play," he said. "I needed to lose a few kilos and I finally did that this year. I've played lot of game time and I'm starting to get somewhere.
"I'm a lot fitter and fresher now and can get through more work, whereas before I was always under the pump and getting tired. As a result, my concentration would drop off."
Since moving to Parramatta he has lost 14kg, most of it this season. "Last year I was playing at 96-97kg. This year, I've played mostly at 93kg and that extra three or four kilos has made a huge difference."
Through his hard work and diligence, Widders believes he might have finally earned back the trust of Smith.
"Brian has taught me what it takes to be a professional athlete and how to play my best footy instead of just drifting along," Widders said. Smith has helped Widders outside of football as well.
Widders possesses a determination to help kids, especially those from an indigenous background. It is something he is planning to make a full-time career once his playing days are over.
He likes nothing better than going to outback communities and schools, meeting and talking with young Aboriginals and passing and kicking around a football.
Widders always writes his e-mail address on paper or on the blackboard and encourages the kids to contact him "for advice or a chat".
"I was a country kid. I know what it is like," he said. "The problems in the country are a lot worse than people realise.
"The drugs and stuff are a lot bigger in the bush than what people and some of the country towns recognise.
"The kids need good role models and people to talk to. I just want them to know that there is someone out there prepared to listen to them.
"Brian knows what I do and is very supportive. The club is fantastic, too."
Little wonder Widders, who finishes his contract at the end of the season, is keen to continue his outstanding form and earn another deal with the Eels.
"I want to stay here for sure," he said. "It's a great place."
Widders will be used as an impact player off the bench tonight when the Eels try to make it a hat-trick of wins against the Broncos at Parramatta Stadium.
Brisbane's six Queensland Origin players will all back up.
