Widdop hails Storm young guns - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Widdop hails Storm young guns

Ian McCullough 18/04/2011 04:07:16 PM Comments (0)

In-form Melbourne five-eighth Gareth Widdop says the Storm's new crop of youngsters can help create a new dynasty at the NRL club.

Widdop was outstanding against Penrith on Sunday along with Jesse Bromwich, Matt Duffie and Kevin Proctor - all members of the Storm's 2009 Toyota Cup-winning team.

Having been found guilty of breaching the salary cap by the NRL last year, the Storm were forced to offload several big names such as Greg Inglis, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson and Brett Finch.

It forced coach Craig Bellamy to turn his attentions to the club's youngsters and Widdop believes having so many familiar faces alongside him is helping both him and the team.

"Having four or five players that came through the under-20s makes it easier for us younger lads as we know each other's game," Widdop told AAP.

"There are five or six players from that grand final-winning team who are in this squad and it shows what a great breeding ground for talent this club is.

"There are a lot of good players in this side and although it is only round six, but we do feel as if we are a team who can be there or thereabouts this year and the feeling around the place is good.

"The players that have left were world class players and they are big shoes to fill, but we are pleased to be given the chance by Craig to take over from them and so far it has gone well."

England international Widdop moved to Melbourne with his family from Halifax in 2006 and would love to see more of his countrymen ply their trade in the NRL.

With Sam Burgess and Gareth Ellis rated as two of the best backrowers in the game, the 20-year-old believes the England international team would be bolstered by an influx of their players Down Under.

St Helens prop James Graham has been widely tipped to join Canterbury at the start of next season and Widdop said the chance to play against the best players in the world should be embraced by more.

"It is nice to see the likes of Gaz (Ellis) big Sam going well here and it would be nice to see some more out here, as I think we (England team) could do with it," he said.

"I have learned so much from playing alongside Coops (Cooper Cronk), Billy (Slater) and Cam Smith, and having guys there who can take control of the game has given me the chance to play my game.

"The Super League is a good league and has some very good players but it would be nice to see more of us Poms playing down here."

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