Gareth Widdop calls for the release of St George Illawarra Dragons while there are only three years left for a multi-million dollar contract

Widdop has only one season in his new halves combination with Ben Hunt, but he has already paid off, the pair having led the Dragons to the second week of the final. Their partnership should improve with experience, even if the last development could mean that they played together for the last time.

The Dragons are just beginning to overcome the shock of having to put a line through the main recruiting goal, Jarryd Hayne. The two-time Dally M medalist was listening to the club until he was charged with aggravated badual badault. This means that a background that is already missing from Jason Nightingale's retirement and the Cowboys who sign Nene Macdonald is at least a man of note.

After eliminating Hayne, the Dragons are now faced with the prospect of also having to separate from their most valuable player. It is understood that several clubs in the Super League, including Huddersfield, are watching the situation with interest.

Widdop grew up in Yorkshire, became known at the Melbourne Storm and is one of the first players in Wayne Bennett's England squad. At 29, he had already considered returning to the UK to finish his career there, but it's the first time he's asking for a release.

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Widdop is not the only Dragon key with a blurred future. Coach Paul McGregor is also late next season. The potential brokers are waiting to see how the team starts their campaign before deciding to propose an extension. NSW striker Tariq Sims does not have a contract either, but he should re-enter the club.

Widdop may not be the only half moving. Half of the Warriors Shaun Johnson, who has already declared not to be offered a new contract after the expiry of his current contract, would have asked for a release from the last year of his contract.

It is clear that the Warriors are not moving at the moment, but they are also confronted with the enigma of the presence of a star player who does not want to be there. If Johnson gets a release, the Dragons could be more supportive of Widdop's bid if the No.7 Kiwis are ready to move on to Sydney.

Johnson went on social media Tuesday to expose his position.

"I thought it was better that I clarify a few points about my situation at this point with the Warriors," Johnson wrote. "First of all, there is no contract for me to sign after 2019.

"Secondly, if you saw the article published a few weeks ago … they said they were not in a hurry to sign me again. repeated at this point that they would not offer me anything.

"It means I'm going to be able to spread my wings and see what's going on there, so that's what I'm doing!"

The latest developments come just a day after David Klemmer's release from Canterbury to Newcastle, while the Roosters free Dylan Napa to join the Bulldogs.