Gareth Widdop might want to remember why Corey Norman is at the club

Gareth Widdop either has a short memory or a convenient one. Whatever the case, it was a bit average how the St George Illawarra skipper all but threw Paul McGregor under the bus.

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Gareth Widdop either has a short memory or a convenient one.

Whatever the case, it was a bit average how the St George Illawarra skipper all but threw Paul McGregor under the bus following Thursday night’s crushing loss to South Sydney.

Widdop needs to remember the real reason Corey Norman is at the Dragons this year is because Widdop asked for an early release so he could return home to England.

But when Brad Fittler interviewed Widdop on Channel 9 straight after the game and quizzed Widdop about his move from five-eighth to fullback, Widdop said it was because “Mary made a decision and wanted me to go back there”.

Widdop made no attempt to hide his frustration, or really support the coach’s decision.

Which is strange when you consider what is happening at the Dragons right now is the result of the club trying to do right by Widdop.

I clearly remember how the story unfolded at the end of last year when Widdop expressed to head of recruitment Ian Millward his desire to go home because he was missing family.

Initially the plan was for Widdop to leave after the 2020 season.

But not long later Widdop requested to leave at the end of this year.

Gareth Widdop failed to impress for the Dragons against the Rabbitohs in round two. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Naturally, the club didn’t want Widdop to go but were understanding of his situation, and also mindful of the service he had given them.

So they made a deal when Norman’s name emerged as a possibility.

Widdop was told if the club signed Norman it might require Widdop potentially moving to fullback.

Apparently, Widdop had no problem with that and, furthermore, actually supported the decision.

Now it seems all bets are off.

You just wonder if Widdop has also considered what this will potentially mean to the other players caught up in this jigsaw puzzle.

Matt Dufty probably wouldn’t care because it will mean he gets called into the starting side.

But if Widdop plays five-eighth, it would mean moving Ben Hunt to hooker and Cam McInnes to lock.

(L—R) Ben Hunt, Matt Dufty, Cameron McInnes and Gareth Widdop during St. George-Illawarra Dragons training in Wollongong. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Hunt and McInnes are the type of blokes who probably wouldn’t make a big deal of it.

But they would be entitled to, probably more so than Widdop, who is leaving at the end of the season.

Hunt came to the club to play halfback and last year McInnes was challenging Damien Cook for the NSW hooking job.

You would think the best thing for the Dragons would be for the skipper to publicly back his coach in times like this, not question him.