St George Illawarra and England stand-off Gareth Widdop claims he would relish the opportunity to play alongside Kiwi legend Benji Marshall, who is highly fancied to join the Dragons after ending his contract with rugby union side Auckland Blues.
The former Wests Tigers star, who has turned down contracts with several NRL clubs, is set to make a decision this week on whether to join Widdop’s Dragons or Cronulla Sharks, where several of his old team-mates now play.
Widdop played alongside Australia international Cooper Cronk at Melbourne Storm before he moved to St George and says he would love to have another superstar half-back partner.
“As a young fellow, I played with some great players down at Melbourne so, to play with Benji – another great player – would be great too,” Widdop said.
“But at the moment, we have Sammy Williams, Adam Quinlan, Michael Witt, who are are all good players themselves.
“It is all up in the air. We just have to move on and worry about playing football. It’s all speculation.
“But everyone knows what he has done for Rugby League. He was a great player before he left for rugby union.
“Everyone watches footy to watch people like Benji and, to have him back, I’m sure it is going to attract a lot more attention which is great for Rugby League.
Widdop has been in superb form since joining the Dragons in the summer, but he hasn’t been able to forge a partnership with Witt, Quinlan or Williams due to none of them being able to cement a starting spot.
“It has been a bit like that, I suppose,” Widdop said.
“Michael started the year then got injured, then Sammy came in, and then Quinny. So it has been quite hard in that respect. I’m sure the coach has got his reasons and he will pick whoever is he believe is best for that weekend.
“If someone like Benji was to come into the team, I think it can click if you are willing to stick to a game plan. Obviously the more you play together, a lot strong the combination.”
