Dragons suffer huge blow with Gareth Widdop expected to miss a month with knee injury

AFTER the late loss to the Roosters, St George Illawarra’s night got even worse with news in-form skipper Gareth Widdop could be out for up to a month.

Widdop’s form has been essential in the Dragons’ season. Photo: Phil Hillyard

SO JUST how bad is the left knee of Gareth Widdop? For on this, much now hinges for St George Illawarra.

“Ah, it’s not good,’’ coach Paul McGregor conceded. “I don’t know exactly because it’s still fresh ... but it is a medial.”

Which would mean at least a fortnight out for the Dragons skipper. But then, soon after in the away dressing room, things got worse.

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Widdop’s form has been essential in the Dragons’ season. Photo: Phil Hillyard

Said Nathan Pickworth, the Dragons Head of Athletic Performance: “It looks like Gareth has suffered a moderate to high grade medial ligament injury.”

And that, folks, could mean more like a month — easy. So we wait.

For despite coming into Anzac Day as the NRL leaders, St George Illawarra now face an uncertain future without their skipper and question marks over exactly who comes in to replace him.

Call it an uncomfortable truth that arrived roughly 60 seconds before halftime on Tuesday, when Widdop limped from the field after being tackled awkwardly by three Roosters.

While the 28-year-old will have scans on Wednesday, the most hopeful prognosis is that he will miss both the upcoming Melbourne game and Test match on Saturday week between England and Samoa.

Indeed, asked if Widdop would miss the international, McGregor replied: “When is it?”

Saturday week.

“Well, you’d have to say yes at this stage,’’ the coach continued. “He’s come off with a knee and Gareth doesn’t like missing footy. So coming off and not being able to run, he won’t be playing in that one I think.”

So as for who replaces him? The early tip is Kurt Mann, who came into the game off the bench and filled in solidly outside half Josh McCrone.

However, McGregor — who is certainly no stranger to debating halves — could also opt for either Shaun Nona or Jai Field, the young flyer dubbed the quickest man in the NRL.

Widdop’s injury could have a big impact on the Dragons’ season. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Despite an outstanding pre-season, Field is currently playing reserves after his top grade debut was followed up with rib, hamstring and knee injuries.

McGregor also praised the efforts of his team on Anzac Day — “you don’t lose friends playing like that” — and refused to bite when asked if the Roosters had deliberately targeted his skipper.

“That gets raised every year doesn’t it?” he shrugged. “Last year it was about us laying down. It’s a game of footy. I’m not here to whinge about the opposition or talk about the opposition. I’m here to praise my players for a good performance.”

Quizzed on what they lost with their skipper off the field, winger Jason Nightingale added: “Leadership and communication, that’s the biggest difference.