Widdop not going Down Under
WARRINGTON coach Steve Price has poured cold water on suggestions that Gareth Widdop could head back to Australia less than a year into his Wolves contract.
Reports in Australia have linked the England international with a rapid return to his former club St George Illawarra, claiming Widdop’s wife is homesick.
They also said it could be part of a straight swap with Dragons playmaker Corey Norman.
But Price said: “I was blindsided by the news, and Gareth was surprised as well. He is extremely happy here and is contracted for a number of years. I’m really comfortable with Gareth and he is with us.
“And the player who has been linked with us will definitely not be happening.
He’s not even come into my thought process.”
Price also dismissed suggestions that the club’s star 2021 signing Greg Inglis could be thrown straight into this year’s State of Origin series – despite not having played since April 2019.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters said he would consider selecting the player who has represented his state 32 times.
Walters said: “I know he is playing with Warrington next year and is a great pick-up for Warrington, so he may be available for Queensland at the end of the year.”
But Price said: “I’m most probably not in favour of it. Greg’s still got a bit of work to do with his body, he’s been out for quite a bit. He needs that extra work.
“Going into an Origin series having not played for 12-18 months is difficult if you have not played all season.”