Dragons captain Gareth Widdop is confident he will play again this season.
Widdop underwent a shoulder reconstruction, after injuring himself in the round three clash against the Broncos.
It was feared at the time, that it would be Widdop's final NRL appearance, but the English international believes a return in August is a real possibility.
"Hopefully I can get back and get a couple of games before the finals," Widdop told reporters on Tuesday.
"I haven't pinpointed a certain date yet because we just don't know. I'm certainly very hopeful I'll get back for a couple of games."
This is the third time the 30-year-old has dislocated the same shoulder, with two of those occurring at Suncorp Stadium.
"Obviously same stadium again. It was like, 'Oh no, not again'," he said.
"Knowing it was my last season, it was certainly very difficult to take, especially with the squad we've got and what we've built over the last couple of years.
"In saying that, we're quite fortunate to have the depth we've got in the squad at the moment. The boys are doing a good job at the moment."
When questioned about his possible return, Widdop said: "It's obviously up to the coach to make that decision.
"It will be difficult to get back into the team. I wouldn't want to disturb any of the momentum that we've got. Something to look at down the track, that's for sure."
Sounds about right. Pretty sure it was a 16-18 week injury. Be great to get a healthy Widdop back for the run into the semis and anyone who says differently is on the gear
Where does he play ? IMO bench utilty at best Massive widdop fan , but come say round 22 – 23 on current form could you change our 6 and 7 . I only see the current combo improving even more so by than. Leaves fullback and unless dufty is struggling with fatigue or severely out of form . I can’t see that happening . . Major team stability problem here . Listen to his press conference even he knows it . Widdop is a great in a good team but his no ponga , rts , game breaker . So I wouldn’t even have him on the bench . . Kills me to say it but for the teams sake , I hope my widdop 6 jersey stays in the closet , he wanted England let him go what’s this new souths clause can’t we just retire him now ? ๐
Iโd play him at 1 but allow Hunt and Norman to steer the side around. Dufty to 14. He had 2 weeks at fb and a new halves combo. Be worth the risk if it arises
There are alot of ifs and buts regarding Widdop and if he plays again. August sometime he is due to return. Let’s see how the Dragons are going in August, the season might already be done and dusted for the Dragons. More concerning is the match coming up this weekend against Parramatta, fond memories of the total humiliation and embarrassment when Parramatta won that match 42-6 last year.
Talk of finals is a bit premature for this mob. You’d think they’d learn after recent back end capitulations.