St George Illawarra five-eighth Gareth Widdop says successfully stepping out from Cooper Cronk’s shadow in round one of the NRL season was a highlight of his career.
Many players who have made a name for themselves at the Melbourne Storm have struggled to shine when venturing out of their comfort zone at a new club.
For a playmaker who spent four seasons as Cronk’s apprentice and part of a Storm attack that runs like clockwork, the challenge for Widdop was always going to be even tougher.
But the 25-year-old Englishman dominated at No.6 in his debut for the Dragons in last Sunday’s crushing win over Wests Tigers.
Widdop has talked all off-season about his desire to make the move from deputy to sheriff, but to actually prove he has what it takes to control a football team was a satisfying achievement.
But his former master Cronk became the premier halfback in the game based on consistency, and Widdop knows he’ll have to back it up in a tough road trip to Eden Park to face the Warriors on Saturday.
“It was pleasing to get off to a good start. It’s only round one though,” he said.
“I’ve played some real big games in World Cups and grand finals but in terms of individual performance I was very pleased. I’m not sure exactly where it sits on the highlight reel, I just want to be consistent.
“It was time in my career to move away and become a dominant ball player and touch the footy a lot more than I did in Melbourne … Here I’ve got a lot more control.”
Tigers forward Adam Blair is one prime example of a former Storm star who has struggled to fulfill his potential outside Craig Bellamy’s system.
Widdop says he didn’t feel the pressure.
“First week for the Dragons I was a bit nervous but once you take the field you get rid of those nerves and you run on adrenalin,” he said.
Hez
Roar Rookie
Was a cracker of a game, hope they can keep it up.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Fingers crossed
Charles NSW
Guest
They will!
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Charles, I am sure by now you know I am a Dragons fan. They can win every match but they rarely do. Last year there only consistency was winning 3 in a row which lead to Price being reappointed. Towards the end they lost was it 7 or 8 in a row? Now that is consistency. 2010 was Bennett and defence which we have not seen since. I am looking forward to the game against the Warriors to see if they can get 2 in a row.
Charles NSW
Guest
The Dragons are that inconsistant you say yet they won a grand final in 2010 Like all clubs a lot of factors come into play to be consistant every week.
danwain
Guest
I guess he did grow up in England, maybe he doesn't know. Talking a good game though, I hope he can back it up today!
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Widdop knows nothing about being a Dragon. It all about inconsistency week in week out. When will e learn?