Inside the NRL: Gareth Widdop continues to impress and James Graham's future

Jenna Brooks has the latest from the NRL as England international Gareth Widdop continues to impress, Johnathan Thurston sidelined for a month, plus James Graham's future with the Bulldogs at risk.

Widdop masterclass

Gareth Widdop produced a masterclass in St George Illawarra's 35-10 win over Manly at Brookvale Oval on Saturday.

The England international kicked five goals, a field goal and crossed for two tries in the Dragons' fourth straight victory.

Widdop has become the club's second highest scorer, behind former London Bronco Jamie Soward.

Dragons' coach Paul McGregor has praised his five-eighth. "Gareth has been in the best form of his whole career, not just today." he said.

"So he just continued on with what he has done. It was a great win."

Widdop's contract is up at the end of this season and reports suggest the St George Illawarra captain is the Wests Tigers' No 1 target to replace Mitchell Moses, who has signed a two-year deal with Parramatta.

Taming Tigers

Reports suggest the Bulldogs have offered Wests Tigers' captain Aaron Woods and James Tedesco four-year deals. Both players are out of contract at the end of the season.

If Woods does sign on the dotted line, England international James Graham's future at the club could be in danger.

It's understood Newcastle are interested in signing the former St Helens' prop, with some reports suggesting the Tigers will also make a move for the Bulldogs captain, if Woods leaves.

Thurston blow

Johnathan Thurston was carried from the pitch in North Queensland's 26-16 defeat to the Tigers on Saturday when the star halfback suffered a small tear in his calf late in the game.

Scans this week diminished fears the star play-maker was facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with Thurston likely to miss two to three games.

Cowboys' coach Paul Green is optimistic of a speedy recovery. "He's got a slight muscle strain there. It's not too bad, hopefully we'll see him back on the paddock sooner rather than later."

While it's likely Thurston will be back in time to play for Queensland in the State of Origin opener at the end of May, he may not have recovered in time for the Kangaroos Test against New Zealand on May 5.

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has already planned not to have the halfback available.

"It is a big blow, to lose one of the best players in the world from the team makes it a bit difficult." Meninga told Fox Sports.

Storm stumble

It was an afternoon of firsts in Melbourne as the Storm suffered their first defeat of the season after reigning premiers Cronulla clinched their first win in the city since 2008.

Former Leeds' hooker James Segeyaro scored the only try in the 73rd minute of the grand final rematch. A Billy Slater fumble led to the new recruit's first try for the Sharks.

Segeyaro's performance received praise from Fox Sports pundits Justin Hodges and Michael Ennis.

Hodges said: "James Segeyaro, when he came on made a big difference around the ruck."

While Ennis said: "Each week he's (Segeyaro) got better. Today he came up with some really big plays, a couple of nice kicks, built pressure and the winning try."

The 11-2 Cronulla win, in torrential rain, was the first time the Storm had been held tryless in Melbourne.

Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!