[ad_1]
GETTY IMAGES
Gareth Widdop has requested the early release of his contract with the Dragons for his return to England.
St George Illawarra captain Gareth Widdop shocked the club officials by demanding an immediate release from his contract.
Widdop is under contract with the Red V for the next three seasons for a contract of about one million NZD per year. However, Sydney Morning Herald may reveal that he has approached the hierarchy of Dragons to immediately cut ties, citing homesickness and his desire to return to England.
The demand has completely taken the club's management unprepared and threatens to upset pre-season preparations. As a skipper and manufacturer of inspiring group games, the departure of Widdop would create a huge gap. Given the lack of talent in the open market at this time of the season, it would be almost impossible to replace it adequately.
The officials of St George Illawarra do not want to keep anyone in their organization against their will because of the destabilizing effect it would have on the team. However, they are supposed to reject Widdop's request given its importance to their hopes as prime minister.
READ MORE:
* Ruthless Warriors send a message
* Burgess slams England "egos"
* Recap: Warriors let Johnson go
* Warriors release Johnson early
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 medalist from Dally M was on the lookout for the club until he was charged with serious sexual assault. 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 selected in the English team of Wayne Bennett. 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.
Widdop is not the only Dragon key with a fuzzy 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 also does not have a contract, although he is expected to re-enter the club.
Source link
