View source for Gareth Widdop

{{short description|GB & England international rugby league footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2017}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
| name           = Gareth Widdop
| fullname       = Gareth Edward Widdop<ref name="rl project" />
| image          = Gareth Widdop.jpg
| image_size     = 
| birth_date     = {{Birth date and age|1989|03|12|df=yes}}<ref name="rl project" />
| birth_place    = [[Halifax, West Yorkshire]], England
| position       = {{rlp|SO|FB|SH}}
| height         = {{Convert|6|ft|0|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="rlwc2013">{{cite web |title=Gareth Widdop |url=http://www.rlwc2013.com/player/gareth-widdop/61 |website=Rugby League World Cup 2013 |publisher=[[Rugby League International Federation]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714233436/http://www.rlwc2013.com/player/gareth-widdop/61 |archive-date=2014-07-14 |url-status=usurped |access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref>
| weight         = {{Convert|14|st|2|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="rlwc2013" />
| club1          = [[Melbourne Storm]]
| year1start     = 2010
| year1end       = 13
| appearances1   = 70
| tries1         = 10
| goals1         = 25
| fieldgoals1    = 1
| points1        = 91
| club2          = {{nowrap|[[St. George Illawarra Dragons|St George Illawarra]]}}
| year2start     = 2014
| year2end       = 19
| appearances2   = 125
| tries2         = 33
| goals2         = 387
| fieldgoals2    = 6
| points2        = 912
| club3          = {{nowrap|[[Warrington Wolves]]}}
| year3start     = 2020
| year3end       = 22
| appearances3   = 49
| tries3         = 20
| goals3         = 47
| fieldgoals3    = 1
| points3        = 175
| club4          = [[Castleford Tigers]]
| year4start     = 2023
| year4end       = 
| appearances4   = 21
| tries4         = 1
| goals4         = 37
| fieldgoals4    = 1
| points4        = 79
| club5          = [[Halifax Panthers]]
| year5start     = 2024
| year5end       = 
| appearances5   = 24
| tries5         = 7
| goals5         = 6
| fieldgoals5    = 0
| points5        = 40
| teamA         = {{nowrap|[[New South Wales Residents|NSW Residents]]}}
| yearAstart    = 2010
| yearAend      = 
| appearancesA  = 1
| triesA        = 1
| goalsA        = 0
| fieldgoalsA   = 0
| pointsA       = 4
| teamB          = {{rlnt|England}}
| yearBstart     = 2010
| yearBend       = 18
| appearancesB   = 29
| triesB         = 7
| goalsB         = 71
| fieldgoalsB    = 1
| pointsB        = 171
| teamC          = {{nowrap|[[NRL All Stars team|World All Stars]]}}
| yearCstart     = 2016
| yearCend       = 
| appearancesC   = 1
| triesC         = 0
| goalsC         = 0
| fieldgoalsC    = 0
| pointsC        = 0
| teamD          = {{rlnt|Great Britain}}
| yearDstart     = 2019
| yearDend       = 
| appearancesD   = 4
| triesD         = 0
| goalsD         = 6
| fieldgoalsD    = 0
| pointsD        = 12
|ru_position         = [[Fullback (rugby union)|Fullback]], [[Centre (rugby union)|Centre]]
|ru_club1            = [[Huddersfield RUFC|Huddersfield]]
|ru_year1start       = 2025
|ru_year1end         = present
|ru_appearances1     = 
|ru_tries1           = 
|ru_goals1           = 
|ru_fieldgoals1      = 
|ru_points1          = 
| retired        = yes
| source         =<ref>{{Rugby league records |id=7356 |title=Gareth Widdop |access-date=18 September 2023}}</ref><ref name="rl project">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/gareth-widdop/summary.html |title=Gareth Widdop – Career Stats & Summary |publisher=Rugby League Project |access-date=9 October 2017}}</ref>
| updated        = 9 September 2024
}}

'''Gareth Edward Widdop''' (born 12 March 1989) is an English professional [[rugby league]] footballer who plays as a {{rlp|so}} or {{rlp|fb}} for the [[Halifax Panthers]] in the [[RFL Championship]].

Widdop played at club level for the [[Melbourne Storm]] and the [[St. George Illawarra Dragons]] in the [[National Rugby League]], and for the [[Warrington Wolves]] and the [[Castleford Tigers]] in the [[Super League]]. He won the [[2012 NRL Grand Final]] with [[Melbourne Storm|Melbourne]] and has played for the [[NRL All Stars team|World All Stars]].

He made 29 representative appearances for [[England national rugby league team|England]], ranking as the side's second-highest points scorer, and made 4 appearances for [[Great Britain national rugby league team|Great Britain]].

== Early life ==
Born and brought up in [[Halifax, West Yorkshire|Halifax]], Yorkshire, Widdop played his junior rugby for King Cross before moving to [[Melbourne]], Australia with his family at the age of 17 where he was educated at [[Bayside College|Bayside Secondary College]].{{cn|date=November 2024}}

As a teenager, Widdop went to the [[2006 NRL Grand Final]], and continued to play in the [[Melbourne Rugby League]] for [[Altona Roosters]] under his father Gary.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.maribyrnong.starweekly.com.au/story/279059/vrl-altona-roosters-plan-to-make-it-a-year-to-remember/?nav=Y2F0X2lkLzI= |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150418161243/http://www.maribyrnong.starweekly.com.au/story/279059/vrl-altona-roosters-plan-to-make-it-a-year-to-remember/?nav=Y2F0X2lkLzI= |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2015 |title=Altona Roosters plan to make it a year to remember |author=Jenkinson, Lance |newspaper=Maribyrnong Star Weekly |date=19 April 2015}}</ref> He was introduced to the Storm by [[Dean Lance]], and was taken into the Storms Academy U18 program by Paul Bramley the High Performance Manager at the time, he went on to represent [[NRL Victoria|Victoria Under 18s team]], and the [[Affiliated States Championship|Australian Affiliated U18 Schoolboys]] and he eventually signed for [[Melbourne Storm]]'s [[National Youth Competition (rugby league)|Under 20s]] team.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=7-2130-0-0-0&sID=26416&articleID=213039&news_task=DETAIL |title=Australian Affiliated States Team Announced |publisher=Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402101244/http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=7-2130-0-0-0&sID=26416&articleID=213039&news_task=DETAIL |archive-date=2018-04-02 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 2 September 2009, Widdop was named on the interchange bench in the [[2009 NRL Under-20s season|2009 NYC]] Team of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nrl.com/2009-toyota-cup-team-of-the-year/tabid/10874/newsid/56509/default.aspx |title=2009 Toyota Cup Team of the Year |date=2009-09-01 |publisher=National Rugby League |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925130704/http://www.nrl.com/2009-toyota-cup-team-of-the-year/tabid/10874/newsid/56509/default.aspx |archive-date=2015-09-25 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2009 NRL Under-20s season|2009 NYC]] Grand Final against the [[Wests Tigers]] NYC Team, Widdop scored the match winning try and goal in the 24–22 win.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/holden-cup/melbourne-storm-defeat-wests-tigers-24-22-to-win-2009-toyota-cup/story-e6frf3qu-1225782620863 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141221130925/http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/holden-cup/melbourne-storm-defeat-wests-tigers-24-22-to-win-2009-toyota-cup/story-e6frf3qu-1225782620863 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-12-21 |title=Melbourne Storm Defeat Wests Tigers 24-22 to Win 2009 Toyota Cup |publisher=Fox Sports|location=Australia |access-date=2015-10-03}}</ref> Widdop was named the Storms' NYC player of the year in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/holden-cup/fox-sports-matt-russell-previews-toyota-cup-grand-final/story-e6frf3qu-1225781151017 |title=Matt Russell Previews Toyota Cup Final |publisher=Fox Sports|location=Australia |access-date=2015-10-03}}{{dead link|date=July 2018}}</ref>

==Club career==
[[File:GARETH WIDDOP.jpg|right|thumb|Widdop playing for the Storm in the 2010 NSW Cup]]

===Melbourne Storm===
In 2010, Widdop's first season in the first team at the [[Melbourne Storm]], he was named in Melbournes' 23-man touring party in preparation for the [[2010 World Club Challenge]] against [[Leeds Rhinos]]<ref name="Storm name World Club Challenge party">{{cite web |url=http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=16595 |title=Storm name World Club Challenge party |publisher=superleague.co.uk |date=16 February 2010 |access-date=16 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829144258/http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=16595 |archive-date=29 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="World Club Challenge squad chosen">{{cite web |url=http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=22617&world-club-challenge-squad-chosen |title=World Club Challenge squad chosen |date=2010-02-15 |work=Herald Sun |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220111720/http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=22617&world-club-challenge-squad-chosen |archive-date=20 February 2010 |url-status=dead |access-date=16 February 2010}}</ref> but was not chosen to play but did pick up the man of the match award in their warm up game against the [[London Broncos|Harlequins]].

Widdop made his NRL debut in Round 7 of the [[2010 NRL season]] against the [[New Zealand Warriors|Warriors]] where he played centre in the Storms' 40–6 win at [[Docklands Stadium|Etihad Stadium]]. This was notably the first match which the Storm played following news of their [[Melbourne Storm salary cap breach|salary cap scandal]], which saw the club stripped of three minor premierships, two premierships and the right to accrue any competition points in 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/storm-on-fire-against-warriors/news-story/c492943e116f289450b72193aee21305 |title=Melbourne Storm smash the Warriors 40-6 and begins on-field fight |last=Gould |first=Russell |date=2010-04-26 |work=Herald Sun |access-date=2015-10-03}}</ref> In Round 12 against the [[Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs]], Widdop made his first appearance at fullback in place of the rested [[Billy Slater]], scoring a try and kicking 3 conversions in the 23–12 win at [[AAMI Park]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/melbourne-beat-cantberbury/story-e6frg12c-1225873148668 |title=Melbourne Beat Canterbury |publisher=Perthnow.com.au |access-date=2015-10-03}}{{dead link|date=July 2018}}</ref> Widdop was put back in the centres for his third and final appearance in 2010 for the Storm, the Round 25 clash against the [[Wests Tigers]].

On 9 September 2010, Widdop was named at five-eighth in the 2010 [[NSW Cup]] Team of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://leagueunlimited.com/news/pita-godinet-named-in-nsw-cup-team-of-the-year |title=Pita Godinet named in NSW Cup Team of the Year |author=Auburn Warriors Media |date=2010-09-09 |work=League Unlimited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624133800/http://leagueunlimited.com/news/pita-godinet-named-in-nsw-cup-team-of-the-year |archive-date=2015-06-24 |url-status=live}}</ref> Widdop finished his début year in the NRL with him playing in 3 matches, scoring 1 try and kicking 3 goals for the [[Melbourne Storm]] in the 2010 NRL season.

On 14 May 2011, Widdop re-signed with the Storm until the end of the 2013 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/england-international-gareth-widdop-re-signs-with-melbourne-storm-for-two-more-seasons/story-fn2mcuj6-1226055867376 |title=Gareth Widdop Re-Signs With Storm for Two More Seasons |date=2011-05-14 |publisher=Fox Sports |access-date=2015-10-03}}</ref> Widdop appeared in 25 matches, scoring 2 tries, kicking 7 goals and kicking 1 field goal for the Melbourne Storm in the [[2011 NRL season]].

On 30 September 2012, in the Storm's [[2012 NRL Grand Final]] against the [[Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs]], Widdop played at five-eighth in the Storm's 14–4 victory.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-grand-final-bulldogs-v-storm/story-fndujljl-1226484701474 |title=Melbourne Storm beat Canterbury Bulldogs in 2012 NRL grand final |last=Badel |first=Peter |date=2012-09-30 |publisher=News.com.au |access-date=2015-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124000724/http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-grand-final-bulldogs-v-storm/story-fndujljl-1226484701474 |archive-date=2016-01-24 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/our-player-ratings-for-the-nrl-grand-final-between-canterbury-and-the-melbourne-storm/story-fndujljl-1226484848217 |title=Our player ratings for the NRL grand final between Canterbury and the Melbourne Storm |last=Toohey |first=Barry |date=2012-09-30 |work=The Daily Telegraph |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001164147/http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/our-player-ratings-for-the-nrl-grand-final-between-canterbury-and-the-melbourne-storm/story-fndujljl-1226484848217 |archive-date=2012-10-01 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Widdop finished the [[2012 NRL season]] for the Storm playing in 25 matches, scoring 4 tries, and kicking 12 goals.

Widdop started the 2013 season as five-eighth in the Melbourne Storm's 18–14 win over [[Super League]] champions [[Leeds Rhinos]] in the [[2013 World Club Challenge]] at [[Headingley Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/melbourne-storm-reclaim-another-stripped-trophy-with-18-14-world-club-challenge-victory-over-leeds-rhinos/story-e6frf3ou-1226583991946 |title=Storm Reclaim Another Stripped Trophy with 18-14 Victory Over Leeds Rhinos |publisher=Fox Sports|location=Australia |access-date=2015-10-03}}{{dead link|date=July 2018}}</ref> On 19 April 2013, it was announced that Widdop had signed a four-year contract with the [[St. George Illawarra Dragons]] starting in 2014.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/st-george-dragons-sign-melbourne-storms-gareth-widdop-in-2m-deal/story-e6frexpr-1226624329490 |title=St George Illawarra Dragons sign Melbourne Storm's Gareth Widdop in $2M deal |last=Hooper |first=James |date=2013-04-19 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=2015-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419063013/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/st-george-dragons-sign-melbourne-storms-gareth-widdop-in-2m-deal/story-e6frexpr-1226624329490 |archive-date=2013-04-19 |url-status=live}}</ref> In Round 15 against [[Gold Coast Titans]], Widdop suffered a dislocated hip in an awkward tackle in the Storms' 18–12 loss at [[Cbus Super Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/live-gold-coast-titans-v-melbourne-storm/story-fni3grk4-1226668921864 |title=Gold Coast Titans beat Melbourne Storm 18-12 in NRL round 15 |last=Greenwood |first=Emma |date=2013-06-25 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=2015-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625142839/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/live-gold-coast-titans-v-melbourne-storm/story-fni3grk4-1226668921864 |archive-date=2013-06-25 |url-status=live}}</ref> Widdop later returned in the Week 1 finals match against the [[South Sydney Rabbitohs]] in the Storms' 20–10 loss at [[ANZ Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/live-south-sydney-rabbitohs-v-melbourne-storm/story-fni3fbgz-1226718795093 |title=South Sydney Rabbitohs defeat Melbourne Storm 20-10 in qualifying final |last=Massoud |first=Josh |date=2013-09-14 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=2015-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914004440/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/live-south-sydney-rabbitohs-v-melbourne-storm/story-fni3fbgz-1226718795093 |archive-date=2013-09-14 |url-status=live}}</ref> Widdop finished his last year with the Melbourne Storm with him playing in 16 matches, scoring 3 tries and kicking 3 goals in the [[2013 NRL season]].

===St. George Illawarra Dragons===
In Round 1 of the [[2014 NRL season]], Widdop made his club début for the [[St George Illawarra Dragons]] against the Wests Tigers, Widdop proved his worth having a hand in four of the team's seven tries and kicking eight from eight goals in the Dragons 44–24 win at [[ANZ Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/gareth-widdop-stars-as-dragons-outlast-tigers-20140309-34f9z.html |title=Gareth Widdop stars as Dragons outlast Tigers |last=Walter |first=Brad |date=2014-03-09 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616231245/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/gareth-widdop-stars-as-dragons-outlast-tigers-20140309-34f9z.html |archive-date=2018-06-16 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref> The signing of [[Benji Marshall]] to the Dragons part way through the season meant a new halves partner for Widdop. In Round 16, against his former club the Melbourne Storm, Widdop scored his first club try for the Dragons in the 24–12 win at [[WIN Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/st-george-illawarra-dragons-fire-and-down-melbourne-storm-at-win-stadium/story-fni3fbgz-1226972569184 |title=St George Illawarra Dragons fire and down Melbourne Storm at WIN Stadium |last=Nicolussi |first=Christian |date=2014-06-30 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=2015-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823151320/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/st-george-illawarra-dragons-fire-and-down-melbourne-storm-at-win-stadium/story-fni3fbgz-1226972569184 |archive-date=2014-08-23 |url-status=live}}</ref> Widdop finished off his first year with the St George Illawarra Dragons as the club's highest point scorer with 137 points from 3 tries, 61 goals and 3 field goals, and played in all of the Dragons 24 matches.

Widdop featured in the [[2015 World Club Series|World Club Series]] against [[Warrington Wolves]] where he kicked 3 goals in the 18–12 win at [[Halliwell Jones Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/world-club-series-the-st-george-illawarra-dragons-have-beaten-the-warrington-wolves-18-12-at-halliwell-jones-stadium/story-e6frf3vc-1227231920857 |title=World Club Series: The St George Illawarra Dragons have beaten the Warrington Wolves 18-12 at Halliwell Jones Stadium |last=Coleman |first=Mike |date=2015-02-21 |publisher=Fox Sports |access-date=2015-10-03}}</ref> In Round 6, against the [[Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs]], Widdop played his 100th NRL match in the Dragons 31–6 win at ANZ Stadium.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nrl.com/widdop-quashes-speculation-over-dragons-departure/tabid/10874/newsid/85324/default.aspx |title=Widdop quashes speculation over Dragons departure |last=Brady |first=Jack |date=2015-04-13 |publisher=National Rugby League |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729105854/https://www.nrl.com/news/2015/04/13/widdop-quashes-speculation-over-dragons-departure/ |archive-date=2018-07-29 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the Dragons week 1 elimination final match against the [[Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs]], Widdop became the hero and the villain in the tight match, Widdop was the hero in the 80th minute when he kicked a penalty goal after Bulldogs second-rower [[Shaun Lane]] scored a try in the 78th minute but when the ball came off Lane from an offside position from a short kickoff from the Dragons, the Dragons were awarded the penalty and Widdop levelled the match at 10–10 at full-time, sending the match into extra time. Widdop became the villain after his kick out on the full, in an attempt to nail a 40/20, which later saw Bulldogs' [[Josh Reynolds (Australian rugby league player)|Josh Reynolds]] kick the match-winning field goal four tackles later in the 84th minute ending the Dragons season 11–10 at [[ANZ Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nrl.com/dragons-grateful-for-devastated-widdop/tabid/10874/newsid/89763/default.aspx |title=Dragons grateful for devastated Widdop |last=Brady |first=Jack |date=2015-09-13 |publisher=National Rugby League |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916050336/http://www.nrl.com/dragons-grateful-for-devastated-widdop/tabid/10874/newsid/89763/default.aspx |archive-date=2015-09-16 |url-status=live}}</ref> Widdop finished the [[2015 NRL season]] as the club's highest tryscorer and point scorer with him scoring 182 points in 24 matches, from 9 tries and 73 goals.

On 13 February 2016, Widdop played for the [[NRL All Stars team|World All Stars]] against the [[Indigenous All Stars (rugby league)|Indigenous All Stars]] in the [[2016 All Stars match]], playing at five-eighth in the 12–8 win at [[Suncorp Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/world-all-stars-defeat-indigenous-all-stars-128-at-suncorp-stadium/news-story/034a63c6602597828b4b9a5ce72f986e |title=World All Stars defeat Indigenous All Stars 12-8 at Suncorp Stadium |last=Garry |first=Chris |date=2016-02-13 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=2017-10-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nrl.com/all-stars-trial-games-team-lists/tabid/10874/newsid/92774/default.aspx |title=All Stars, trial games team lists |date=2016-02-13 |publisher=National Rugby League |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212081529/http://www.nrl.com/all-stars-trial-games-team-lists/tabid/10874/newsid/92774/default.aspx |archive-date=2016-02-12 |url-status=live |access-date=2017-10-09}}</ref>
[[File:Gaz Widdop.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Widdop playing for England in 2016]]

The Dragons found form in the early 2017 season with many good performances from Widdop. He received Dally M five-eighth of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/dally-m/live-dally-m-medal-red-carpet-award-winners-captain-and-coach-of-the-year/news-story/6d108100650333671a4b451385ad6bd0 |title=Re-live the 2017 Dally M Medal: Cameron Smith wins top gong, team of the year revealed |date=2017-09-27 |publisher=Fox Sports |access-date=2018-07-30}}</ref>

Widdop made 22 appearances for St George in 2018 as the club qualified for the finals for the first time since 2015 finishing 7th at the end of the regular season although the saints lead the competition earlier on in the year.  In week one of the finals series, Widdop dislocated his shoulder for the second time in the season as St George romped to a shock 48–18 victory against Brisbane at [[Suncorp Stadium]].  Widdop had only just returned to the squad after dislocating the same shoulder a month prior against Parramatta.  Widdop was subsequently ruled out of the following weeks elimination final against South Sydney.<ref name="rl project" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/triple-treat-gareth-widdop-one-of-three-dragons-on-track-to-play-finals/news-story/c5aff9142ec4fc6e86e22835df67aed4 |title=Triple treat! Widdop one of three Red V big guns on track |date=2018-09-02 |publisher=News.com.au |access-date=2018-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902130208/https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/triple-treat-gareth-widdop-one-of-three-dragons-on-track-to-play-finals/news-story/c5aff9142ec4fc6e86e22835df67aed4 |archive-date=2018-09-02 |url-status=live |agency=Australian Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/league/news/gareth-widdop-injury-st-george-illawarra-dragons-brisbane/a9kq3hl8pugr1cnk7f4yp8uii |title=Gareth Widdop injury: St George Illawarra star dislocates shoulder again |last=Naghten |first=Tom |date=2018-09-09 |website=Sporting News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911220553/https://www.sportingnews.com/au/league/news/gareth-widdop-injury-st-george-illawarra-dragons-brisbane/a9kq3hl8pugr1cnk7f4yp8uii |archive-date=2018-09-11 |url-status=live |access-date=2018-09-29}}</ref>

In round 3 against the [[Brisbane Broncos]], Widdop dislocated his right shoulder in the 25–24 victory. Scans later confirmed that Widdop would need a second shoulder reconstruction and the player would miss 4–5 months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5989447/dragons-positive-gareth-widdop-will-return-in-2019/|title=St George Illawarra captain Gareth Widdop undergoes successful surgery|website=illawarramercury.com.au|date=2 April 2019 }}</ref>

In round 25 against the Gold Coast, Widdop kicked 4 goals as St George won the match 24–16.  In the process, Widdop reached 1000 [[NRL]] points in his final game for the club.  St George ended the season in 15th position on the table which was one of the worst seasons in the club's history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/09/07/dragons-overpower-titans-in-widdops-final-nrl-game/|title=Dragons overpower Titans in Widdop's final NRL game|publisher=National Rugby League|date=7 September 2019 }}</ref>

===Warrington Wolves===
Widdop made his début at {{rlp|sh}} in the 18–8 away defeat against [[Wakefield Trinity]] on 16 February 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xxv-2020/round-3/wakefield-trinity-vs-warrington/summary.html|title=Wakefield Trinity 18-8 Warrington|publisher=Rugby League Project|access-date=9 December 2020}}</ref>

In round 2 of the 2021 Super League season, Widdop scored two tries in a 44–12 victory over Leigh.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/warrington-vs-leigh/report/55258|title=Warrington v Leigh|publisher=Sky Sports}}</ref> In round 7, he scored a [[hat-trick]] in Warrington's 38–12 victory over Castleford.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/warrington-wolves-38-castleford-tigers-14-depleted-tigers-undone-by-gareth-widdop-hat-trick-3246846/|title=Warrington Wolves 38 Castleford Tigers 14 – Depleted Tigers undone by Gareth Widdop hat-trick|website=yorkshirepost.co.uk}}</ref> The following week, he scored two tries in a 62–18 victory over Salford. Widdop played a total of 20 games for Warrington including their shock 19-0 elimination playoff loss to [[Hull Kingston Rovers]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/57246596/|title= Salford Red Devils 18-62 Warrington Wolves|publisher= BBC Sport}}</ref>

Widdop played a total of 15 games for Warrington in the 2022 Super League season as the club endured a difficult campaign finishing 11th.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12209/12669822/super-league-whats-gone-wrong-for-warrington-wolves-in-2022/|title=Super League: What's gone wrong for Warrington Wolves in 2022?|publisher=Sky Sports}}</ref>

===Castleford Tigers===
On 6 October 2022, it was confirmed that Widdop had signed for the [[Castleford Tigers]] on a two-year deal.<ref>{{cite web|date=6 October 2022|accessdate=6 October 2022|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/63162774/|title=Gareth Widdop: Castleford Tigers sign Warrington Wolves half-back on two-year deal|publisher=BBC}}</ref>

Widdop played 21 games for Castleford in the [[Super League XXVIII]] season as the club finished 11th on the table narrowly avoiding relegation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/castleford-tigers-ace-alex-mellor-delivers-brutally-honest-assessment-of-awful-season-weve-massively/|title=Castleford Tigers ace Alex Mellor delivers brutally honest assessment of 'awful' season; 'We've massively underperformed'|website=loverugbyleague.com|date=22 September 2023 }}</ref>

On 18 October 2023, the Tigers announced that Widdop would depart the club by mutual consent,<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title=Widdop leaves the Tigers |url=https://castlefordtigers.com/article.php?id=8794 |access-date=18 October 2023 |website=Castleford Tigers}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title=Gareth Widdop: Castleford announce departure of Great Britain half-back |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/67147219 |access-date=18 October 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> with Widdop later confirming his retirement from professional rugby league.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olawumi |first=Ben |date=18 October 2023 |title=Gareth Widdop: Former NRL champion announces retirement – 'I have given every bit of my heart and soul into the game' |url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/gareth-widdop-former-nrl-champion-announces-retirement-i-have-given-every-bit-of-my-heart-and-soul-into-the-game |access-date=18 October 2023 |website=Love Rugby League}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Callum |date=18 October 2023 |title=Gareth Widdop officially retires from rugby league following Castleford Tigers exit |url=https://www.totalrl.com/gareth-widdop-officially-retires-from-rugby-league-following-castleford-tigers-exit/ |access-date=18 October 2023 |website=TotalRL}}</ref>

===Halifax Panthers ===
On 23 December 2023, it was reported that Widdop would come out of retirement and sign for his hometown club [[Halifax Panthers|Halifax]] to play in the [[RFL Championship]] in 2024.<ref>{{cite web|website=Love Rugby League |date=23 December 2023|title=Ex-NRL champion comes out of retirement to join hometown Championship club ahead of 2024|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/ex-nrl-champion-comes-out-of-retirement-to-join-hometown-championship-club-ahead-of-2024}}</ref>

==International career==
On 1 June 2010, Widdop received a surprise call-up into new [[England national rugby league team|England]] coach [[Steve McNamara]]'s 19-man squad for the match against [[France national rugby league team|France]] on 12 June 2010. Widdop featured at fullback and scored a try with his first touch of the ball, he also kicked 2 goals when [[Kevin Sinfield]] was substituted in England's 60–6 win.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/jun/12/england-france-rugby-league |title=Record-equalling Sam Tomkins scores four tries for England as France flop |last=Wilson |first=Andy |date=2010-06-12 |work=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707201934/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/jun/12/england-france-rugby-league |archive-date=2018-07-07 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In mid-September, Widdop was once again called up to the England squad for the [[2010 Four Nations|Four Nations]], he started at fullback in an 18-all draw in the warm up match against [[New Zealand Māori rugby league team|New Zealand Māori]] in which he kicked 3 goals at [[Mt Smart Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/oct/16/england-new-zealand-maori |title=England unable to beat New Zealand Maori but injuries are main concern |last=Wilson |first=Andy |date=2010-10-16 |work=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213064354/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/oct/16/england-new-zealand-maori |archive-date=2015-02-13 |url-status=live}}</ref> Widdop was once again on the scoresheet as England lost their opening game 24–10 against reigning world champions [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]], scoring a try and kicking a goal in the 24–10 loss at [[Westpac Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/new-zealand-outmuscle-england-24-10-in-four-nations-opener-in-wellington/story-fn488j1c-1225942700201 |title=New Zealand Outmuscle England 24-10 |publisher=Fox Sports|location=Australia |access-date=2015-10-03}}{{dead link|date=July 2018}}</ref> Widdop was not selected for the game against [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]] but was on the interchange bench in the final game against [[Papua New Guinea national rugby league team|Papua New Guinea]] where he came on at centre to kick a goal in the 36–10 victory at [[Eden Park]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/nov/06/rugby-league-england-papua-new-guinea |title=England end Four Nations with 36-10 win over Papua New Guinea |last=Wilson |first=Andy |date=2010-11-06 |work=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205120658/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/nov/06/rugby-league-england-papua-new-guinea |archive-date=2014-02-05 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the opening match of the [[2011 Four Nations]], Widdop was named on the interchange bench for England against [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]] where he scored a try with the final play of the game in the 42–4 win at [[Leigh Sports Village]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/sam-tomkins-four-try-haul-helps-england-thrash-wales-42-4-in-opening-round-of-four-nations/story-fn488j1c-1226180609648 |title=Sam Tomkins four-try haul helps England thrash Wales 42-4 in opening round of Four Nations |date=2011-10-30 |publisher=Fox Sports |access-date=2015-10-03}}</ref> Widdop featured in England's final match against Australia on the interchange bench in a 30–8 loss at [[Elland Road]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/darren-lockyer-leads-australia-to-30-8-win-in-four-nations-final/news-story/7f0fdc9a66b4a1654defa63313a74216 |title=Darren Lockyer leads Australia to 30-8 win in Four Nations final |last=Hooper |first=James |date=2011-11-20 |work=The Courier-Mail |access-date=2015-10-03 |location=Leeds}}</ref> Widdop played in all 4 matches and scored a try in the tournament.

Widdop was selected to represent England from the interchange bench against [[Italy national rugby league team|Italy]] where he came on and kicked a goal in the 15–14 loss.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/italy-pull-off-shock-victory-over-england-in-rugby-league-world-cup-warm-up-match/story-e6frf3ou-1226743280777 |title=Italy pull-off shock victory over England in Rugby League World Cup warm-up match |last=Crawley |first=Paul |date=2013-10-13 |work=The Daily Telegraph |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619021744/http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/italy-pull-off-shock-victory-over-england-in-rugby-league-world-cup-warm-up-match/story-e6frf3ou-1226743280777 |archive-date=2015-06-19 |url-status=dead |access-date=2015-10-03}}</ref> Widdop featured in 3 matches and kicked a goal for England in the [[2013 Rugby League World Cup]].

Widdop was selected in England's [[2014 Rugby League Four Nations|2014 Four Nations]] squad.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nrl.com/england-four-nations-squad-announced/tabid/10874/newsid/82386/default.aspx |title=England Four Nations squad announced |date=2014-10-06 |publisher=National Rugby League |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006202043/https://www.nrl.com/england-four-nations-squad-announced/tabid/10874/newsid/82386/default.aspx |archive-date=2014-10-06 |url-status=dead |agency=Australian Associated Press}}</ref> Widdop featured against [[Samoa national rugby league team|Samoa]], Australia and New Zealand in the group stages. Widdop scored in all three matches with six, two and one goals respectively.

Widdop played in all 3 Test matches against [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]] at stand off and kicked 10 goals in England's 2-1 [[Baskerville Shield]] series win.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/england-v-new-zealand-3rd-test-hosts-take-series-with-nervy-20-14-win-over-kiwis-in-wigan/story-fni3fbgz-1227609556526 |title=England v New Zealand 3rd Test: hosts take series with nervy 20-14 win over Kiwis in Wigan |date=2015-11-15 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=2015-12-23 |agency=PA, AAP}}</ref>

At the conclusion of the club season, Gareth was selected for [[England national rugby league team|England]] for their test match against [[France national rugby league team|France]] and [[2015 New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain|test series]] against New Zealand. In the test match against France, Widdop kicked 12 goals in a record 84–4 rout win of the 'Les Tricolores'.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportinglife.com/rugby-league/live/match-report/43791/england-v-france |title=MatchCentre – England v France |website=Sporting Life |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026223631/http://www.sportinglife.com/rugby-league/live/match-report/43791/england-v-france |archive-date=2015-10-26 |url-status=dead |access-date=9 October 2017}}</ref>

In October, Widdop was selected in the England squad for the [[2016 Rugby League Four Nations|2016 Four Nations]]. Before the tournament, England played a [[2016 Rugby League Four Nations#France vs England|test match]] against France which saw Widdop tally his 100th test point in England's 40–6 win.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sportinglife.com/rugby-league/live/match-report/45928/bennett-makes-winning-start |title=MatchCentre |date=2016-10-22 |work=sportinglife |access-date=2016-10-23 |publisher=Hestview Ltd}}</ref>

In October 2017 he was selected in the [[2017 Rugby League World Cup squads#England|England squad]] for the [[2017 Rugby League World Cup]].<ref name="England rugby league World Cup squad revealed – and James Roby is back in the fold">{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/james-roby-back-fold-wayne-11312505|title=England rugby league World Cup squad revealed – and James Roby is back in the fold|work=Mirror|date=9 October 2017|access-date=30 October 2019}}</ref>

He was selected in [[England 9s]] squad for the [[2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s]].<ref name="Sam Tomkins eager to lift inaugural World 9s title with England Down Under">{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/sam-tomkins-eager-lift-inaugural-20595184|title=Sam Tomkins eager to lift inaugural World 9s title with England Down Under|work=Mirror|date=16 October 2019|access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref>

He was selected in squad for the [[2019 Great Britain Lions tour]] of the Southern Hemisphere.<ref name="Zak Hardaker shock inclusion in 24-man Great Britain squad for tour of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-league/2019/10/14/zak-hardaker-shock-inclusion-24-man-great-britain-squad-tour/|title=Zak Hardaker shock inclusion in 24-man Great Britain squad for tour of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=14 October 2019|access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> He made his [[Great Britain national rugby league team|Great Britain]] test debut in the defeat by Tonga.<ref name="Great Britain left bruised at Tonga party">{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/great-britain-tonga-rugby-league-hzmmhr5q5|title=Great Britain left bruised at Tonga party|newspaper=Times|date=26 October 2019|access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref>

== Statistics ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Year
!Team
!Games
!Tries
!Goals
!FGs
!Pts
|-
|2010
| rowspan="4" |{{Leagueicon|Melbourne|16}} [[Melbourne Storm]]
|3
|1
|4
|
|10
|-
|2011
|25
|2
|7
|1
|23
|-
|2012
|26
|4
|12
|
|40
|-
|2013
|16
|3
|3
|
|18
|-
|2014
| rowspan="6" |{{Leagueicon|St George|16}} [[St. George Illawarra Dragons]]
|24
|3
|61
|3
|137
|-
|2015
|24
|9
|73
|
|182
|-
|2016
|24
|6
|54
|1
|133
|-
|2017
|21
|10
|75
|1
|191
|-
|2018
|22
|4
|94
|1
|204
|-
|2019
|10
|1
|30
|
|64
|-
|2020
| rowspan="3" |{{leagueicon|Warrington|16}} [[Warrington Wolves]]
|14
|5
|10
|1
|41
|-
|2021
|20
|10
|31
|
|102
|-
|2022
|15
|5
|6
|
|32
|-
|2023
|{{leagueicon|Castleford|16}} [[Castleford Tigers]]
|21
|1
|37
|1
|79
|-
|2024
|Halifax
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|
|Totals
|265
|64
|496
|9
|1257
|}
source<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gareth Widdop – Playing Career – RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/gareth-widdop/summary.html |access-date=2024-04-07 |publisher=Rugby League Project}}</ref>

== Honours ==

=== Melbourne ===
* [[NRL]]Premiership:
:*'''Winner''': [[2012 NRL Grand Final|2012]]
* [[NRL]] Minor Premiers:
:*'''Winner''': [[2011 NRL season|2011]]
* [[World Club Challenge]]:
:*'''Winner''': [[2013 World Club Challenge|2013]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
* [https://www.dragons.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/st-george-illawarra-dragons/gareth-widdop/ St. George Illawarra Dragons profile]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20151224113120/http://www.dragons.com.au/team/profiles/gareth_widdop.html Dragons profile]
* [http://www.rlwc2017.com/players?team=379#Gareth-Widdop Statistics at rlwc2017.com]
{{Melbourne Storm squad - 2012 NRL premiers}}
{{Melbourne Storm - 2013 World Club Challenge winners}}
{{Navboxes
|title= England squads
| bg=white
| fg=red
| bordercolor=red
|list1=
{{England 2010 Rugby League Four Nations squad}}
{{England 2011 Rugby League Four Nations squad}}
{{England 2013 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{England 2014 Rugby League Four Nations squad}}
{{England 2016 Rugby League Four Nations squad}}
{{England 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{England 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s squad}}
}}
{{Great Britain 2019 Lions squad}}
{{Melbourne Storm squad - 2009 NYC premiers}}
{{2009 National Youth Competition Team of the Year}}
{{2010 New South Wales Cup Team of the Year}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Widdop, Gareth}}
[[Category:1989 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Castleford Tigers players]]
[[Category:England national rugby league team players]]
[[Category:English emigrants to Australia]]
[[Category:English rugby league players]]
[[Category:Halifax Panthers players]]
[[Category:Melbourne Storm players]]
[[Category:New South Wales Residents rugby league team players]]
[[Category:NRL All Stars players]]
[[Category:Rugby league halfbacks]]
[[Category:Rugby league five-eighths]]
[[Category:Rugby league fullbacks]]
[[Category:Rugby league players from Halifax, West Yorkshire]]
[[Category:St. George Illawarra Dragons players]]
[[Category:Warrington Wolves players]]
[[Category:St. George Illawarra Dragons captains]]