Witt to partner Widdop for Dragons

Former London Broncos half-back Michael Witt is set to partner Gareth Widdop as St George-Illawarra kick-off their NRL season against Wests Tigers at the weekend.

Witt, 30, is back in the NRL after four seasons in Super League with the Broncos and Crusaders, and will line-up alongside England international Widdop, who has moved to the Dragons from Melbourne Storm.

Another Englishman, Mike Cooper, has been named in the 18-man squad and could be set to make his club debut, having joined in the close season from Warrington.

Dual-code player Witt was a surprise selection by coach Steve Price, playing at the expense of half-back favourite Sam Williams.

He does, however, have 90 NRL matches under his belt from spells at Parramatta, Manly and New Zealand Warriors between 2003 and 2009.

The Dragons squad also includes Wales international forward Tyson Frizell.

Dragons: Adam Quinlan, Brett Morris, Dylan Farrell, Gerard Beale, Jason Nightingale, Gareth Widdop, Michael Witt, Jack de Belin, Mitch Rein, Dan Hunt, Leeson Ah Mau, Ben Creagh (capt), Trent Merrin. Interchange: Bronson Harrison, Kyle Stanley, Joel Thompson, Tyson Frizell, Mike Cooper