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Why Gareth Widdop Should be the Key Pick for Your Team

Dermott Banks

St George Illawarra Dragons’ captain, Gareth Widdop, has been in inspired form during the 2017 NRL campaign, and despite missing part of the season through injury, he has still shown why England coach Wayne Bennett holds him in such high regard.

Despite Widdop’s excellent form, the Dragons have struggled in recent weeks, and after challenging the Melbourne Storm towards the top of the NRL ladder during the early rounds of the season, Paul McGregor’s side have slipped to eighth and their place in the top eight is now in doubt heading into the final rounds of the regular season.

The Dragons have won just once in the last six rounds as well as having a bye round. However, despite McGregor’s side struggling, Widdop has shown the form that has made him one of the world’s best half-backs and a favourite for NRLCEOs.

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Widdop has shown form that will surely see him included in England’s starting XIII for the Rugby League World Cup this summer, where the Wall of White will be hoping to topple Australia and New Zealand at the summit of world rugby, and defy the 9/1 rugby league betting odds that are currently being offered on the markets.

Whilst the Dragons have been struggling in recent weeks, Widdop has been excelling and has made the Team of the Week on the Dream Team on numerous occasions, with his creativity from five-eighth standing out over most in the NRL.

The 28-year-old Englishman has scored 127 NRL points this season from his 14 appearances, which is only bettered by five other players in the competition, while his average points per game ratio of 9.07 is only bettered by Nathan Cleary of the Penrith Panthers.

Widdop has 13 try assists in 2017 along with nine tries, making him the most influential player in the NRL. With the Dragons’ form slumping in recent weeks, they will be turning to their captain to guide them back up the league ladder and into contention for a place in the Grand Final later in 2017.

McGregor will be hoping that Widdop can continue his excellent form to guide his side back into serious contention for silverware, and it will take performances like he produced in the 18-14 defeat to the Canberra Raiders in Round 19, to push the Dragons on.

That evening, Widdop found himself on the losing side but his performance didn’t deserve that, with the 28-year-old grabbing a try and three goals as well as an exceptional try assist for his wing, Jason Nightingale.

He also blitzed the Sea Eagles as shown in the highlights below with a try and two try assists to help them to pile on 52 points against the high flying Peninsula club.

That evening, Widdop found himself on the losing side but his performance didn’t deserve that, with the 28-year-old grabbing a try and three goals as well as an exceptional try assist for his wing, Jason Nightingale.

Widdop is in the form of his life for the Dragons, and heading into a World Cup later this year, all of Australia will be aware of the damage the half-back could potentially do for England. However, between now and then, St George Illawarra fans will be hoping the 28-year-old can drag his side back up the NRL ladder, whilst continuing his excellent streak of creativity, which is seeing him dominate the Dream Team in 2017.

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Dermott Banks