Dragons skipper Gareth Widdop could make a comeback before the end of the season

Gareth Widdop will get a shot at a fairytale end to his NRL career with the St George-Illawarra ace hoping to make an unlikely comeback in 12 weeks.

Gareth Widdop of the Dragons is taken from the field injured during the Round 3 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Thursday, March 28, 2019. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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Gareth Widdop will get a shot at a fairytale end to his NRL career with the St George Illawarra ace hoping to make an unlikely comeback in 12 weeks.

In a massive and potentially premiership-defining boost, Widdop’s recovery from a shoulder reconstruction has progressed with such positivity that Round 20 has been circled by the Dragons coaching staff.

Ironically, St George Illawarra are scheduled in Round 20 to face Parramatta, their opponents at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday.

While the return of Widdop just five rounds before the finals would prove an undeniable addition of experience, skill and leadership to the Dragons — the onus remains on the current squad to put themselves in contention for the finals.

Widdop suffered a serious shoulder injury in Round 3. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

The Dragons sit in eighth position ahead of today’s test against the Eels.

Widdop dislocated his shoulder in St George Illawarra’s round three win over Brisbane.

It was his second shoulder dislocation in six months and with surgery required there were fears he had played his last game in the NRL before returning home in the UK to play with Warrington.

However, Widdop is now out of his support sling post-surgery and is back at training where he has begun running, albeit without any contact at this stage.

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Widdop spoke to media this week where he confirmed he would return before the finals.

“The first part of the rehab phase is quite slow, but I’ve just got to keep working hard,’’ Widdop said.

“I definitely hope to be back at the end of the year, but in saying that I won’t be rushing it.

“I’ll be making sure I get everything right given what’s happened in the past.

“Hopefully I can get a couple of games in before the finals.

Could WIddop change things for the Dragons? AAP Image/Dave Hunt.

“I’m certainly very hopeful.’’

Given his painful history with shoulder problems, Widdop conceded that he originally feared his 10-year NRL career was over.

“Initially when it happened, it was like “not again” and then with my circumstances, moving on at the end of the year, it was quite difficult to take,’’ the English international said.

“But now things are positive and I can’t be moping around the club. I’ve got to be here to support and help the boys.

“Sometimes things like this happen in life and it’s how you respond to it.’’

And while his presence may be missing from the field, Widdop has been heavily involved in assisting the Dragons coaching staff with their attacking structure and during video sessions.

Originally published as Dragons skipper Gareth Widdop could make a comeback before the end of the season