Gareth Widdop has put an end to speculation that he has asked St George Illawarra for an immediate release, stating he’ll be at the club at least until the end of 2019.
On Wednesday, it was reported the Dragons skipper had approached the club for a release from the remaining three years of his contract due to homesickness.
Widdop is on contract at the club until 2021 and has never denied the fact he’d like to play in the Super League at some stage in his career, and he left that door open during an interview with the Dragons website.
“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.”
Widdop also took to Instagram to reassure fans he will be with the Dragons for the 2019 season.
“Bring on 2019 let’s go” he stated.
According to the Dragons, Widdop asked the club to consider a potential return to England, meaning there is the possibility he doesn’t see out the full term of his contract.
The Dragons seem to be open to the fact that Widdop may leave the club early.
“The club has been in discussions with Gareth for a number of weeks concerning his future at the Dragons,” Dragons recruitment boss Ian Millward said.
“We understand his circumstances and he understands ours, and this is something we plan on working through together.”
He signed a new deal with the Dragons in 2017 until 2021.
2019 NRL Premiers Market
|
Neds |
Bet365 |
Palmerbet |
||
| Roosters | 4.50 | 4.25 | 4.40 | |
| Rabbitohs | 8.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 | |
| Storm | 9.00 | 9.00 | 8.50 | |
| Broncos | 10.00 | 10.00 | 9.00 | |
| Panthers | 10.00 | 10.00 | 11.00 | |
| Dragons | 13.00 | 13.00 | 14.00 | |
| Warriors | 15.00 | 17.00 | 17.00 | |
| Cowboys | 15.00 | 13.00 | 14.00 | |
| Sharks | 17.00 | 21.00 | 14.00 | |
| Knights | 17.00 | 21.00 | 15.00 | |
| Raiders | 21.00 | 26.00 | 17.00 | |
| Eels | 26.00 | 34.00 | 26.00 | |
| Tigers | 26.00 | 34.00 | 31.00 | |
| Sea Eagles | 34.00 | 41.00 | 34.00 | |
| Titans | 51.00 | 51.00 | 34.00 | |
| Bulldogs | 61.00 | 51.00 | 41.00 | |
| BET NOW | BET NOW | BET NOW |
*All odds are subject to change.
