Melbourne storm five-eighth Gareth Widdop will not play again this year after dislocating his hip in the Storms 18-12 loss to the Gold Coast Titans.
Widdop’s loss is a huge blow to the Melbourne Storms hopes of retaining their Premiership this season. His loss will also have a major effect on England’s World Cup plans with Widdop the only play maker in the England squad that has NRL experience.
Widdops injury could see youngster Ben Hampton’s career put into fast forward after an impressive display in his debut match. The Storm may also look to call Brett Finch into the first grade side.
It was only yesterday that I wrote that There Is Only One Reason Billy Slater Would Move To Five-Eighth. I would be shocked if the Storm played Slater at five-eighth for the rest of the season though. I tend to think if he makes that move he will do so with a full off season training at five-eighth under his belt.
I feel really sorry for Gareth Widdop. He has been a key player for the Storm since stepping into the halves for the club on a permanent basis. His form saw him secure a big contract with the Dragons next season.
2013 was also a chance for Widdop to cement his place in the England test side. In the past, for what ever reason, England has not used Widdop all that well. While its fair to say that he is England best option at fullback, halfback and five-eighth, now he will be forced to break back into a rotation of lesser players once more.
The next time we will see Gareth Widdop playing Rugby League again he will be wearing a St George/Illawarra Dragons jersey. Its a sad was for the young Englishman to end his Melbourne Storm career.
