'Everyone watches footy to watch people like Benji' - Widdop

Gareth Widdop.

St George Illawarra five-eighth Gareth Widdop has welcomed the idea of Benji Marshall joining him in the Dragons' halves.

The Dragons are favourites to snare the signature of the former Wests Tigers' superstar, but the NRL club wasn't commenting publicly amid reports CEO Peter Doust was meeting the Dragons' board to discuss Marshall's acquisition.

Marshall is expected to make a decision on his new home this week, with Cronulla the only other club left in the running for his services.

Widdop played alongside Australian No7 Cooper Cronk at Melbourne and said he would relish the opportunity to have another superstar partner in the halves.

"As a young fellow, I played with some great players down at Melbourne, so to play with Benji - another great player - would be great too," Widdop said. "But at the moment, we have Sammy Williams, Adam Quinlan, Michael Witt, who are all good players themselves.

"It is all up in the air. We just have to move on and worry about playing football ... but everyone knows what he has done for league. He was a great player before he left for rugby.

"Everyone watches footy to watch people like Benji and, to have him back, I'm sure it is going to attract a lot more attention."

Widdop has been a revelation for the Dragons since his off-season move from the Storm, but he has struggled to form a halves combination, with Witt, Williams and Quinlan all unable to cement their spot at halfback.

"Michael started the year then got injured, then Sammy came in, and then Quinny. So it has been quite hard in that respect. I'm sure the coach has got his reasons and he will pick whoever he believes is best for that weekend.

"If someone like Benji was to come into the team ... I think it can click if you are willing to stick to a game plan," Widdop said.

After winning their first three games of the season, the Dragons have won just one of their next five. Ahead of Sunday's clash with Canterbury at ANZ Stadium, they sit ninth on the ladder, outside the eight on percentages.

-AAP