St George Illawarra captain Gareth Widdop has shocked club officials by asking for an immediate release from his contract.

Widdop is contracted to the Red V for the next three seasons on a deal worth about $1 million per year. However, Fairfax Media can reveal he has approached the Dragons hierarchy about immediately cutting ties, citing homesickness and a desire to return to England.

Homesick: Skipper Gareth Widdop wants to leave the Red V. Credit:NRL Photos

The request caught the club hierarchy completely off guard and threatens to throw pre-season preparations into turmoil. As the joint-venture outfit’s inspirational skipper and playmaker, Widdop’s departure would create a huge void. Given the lack of talent on the open market at this time of the season, he would be almost impossible to adequately replace.

St George Illawarra officials don’t want to keep anyone in their organisation against their will given the unsettling effect it would have on the team. However, they are expected to reject Widdop’s request given his importance to their premiership hopes.