St George Illawarra has lost five-eighth and goalkicker Gareth Widdop for this Saturday night’s clash against Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium.
The English international has a corked thigh from last Sunday’s 28-26 loss against the Gold Coast Titans.
It wasn’t until several days after the game the injury flared.
Widdop’s absence means coach Paul McGregor has to find a new No.6 and another goalkicker for the final premiership round.
It is uncertain at this stage how long Widdop will be out for but the club is hopeful if he will be fit for the opening round of the finals the following weekend, should the Dragons qualify.
Young halfback Drew Hutchison is likely to play half with Benji Marshall shifting from No.7 to his former role at five-eighth.
Hutchison made his debut in round 18 against the Sharks at Remondis Stadium on July 12. The Sharks won that match 28-8.
Marshall and fullback Josh Dugan are goalkicking options with Widdop out.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor told Fairfax Media he believes the team has what it takes to play a part in the 2015 finals.
‘‘I don’t think [belief] ever left,’’ McGregor said.
‘‘It gets challenged at times but that’s rugby league.
‘‘At the start of the year no one picked us to finish in the top eight and we’re there at the moment.
‘‘We were highly tipped to finish bottom two or get the wooden spoon so we’ve proved those people wrong.’’
In 30 games between the St George Illawarra Dragons and Wests Tigers since 1999 the ledger is in the Dragons’ favour 16-14.
The Dragons are eighth on 26 points and the Tigers are 14th on 20 points.
Can the Dragons slay the Tigers and make the 2015 NRL finals?