Dragons five-eighth Gareth Widdop learned enough in his four seasons in Melbourne to be wary of a Manly outfit under siege, when they play them at WIN Stadium on Saturday.

No club in recent times has been able to push off-field drama aside and produce on the paddock quite like Manly but that resilience has been tested this year by the confirmed departure of star halves Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran.

Cherry-Evans, in particular, has been the target of criticism for the very public way in which he went about pledging his future to the Titans while Foran - who has missed their past two games with a hamstring injury - announced last week that he will shift to Parramatta next year.

That drama and a 1-2 start to the season has upped the pressure on coach Geoff Toovey, with Dragons greats Trent Barrett and Nathan Brown both being linked to his job.

It means the Sea Eagles will travel to Wollongong a side under pressure.

Widdop - whose time in Melbourne came when the Storm - Manly rivalry was at its height - said that's exactly how they liked it.

"They're a tight unit up there and and whenever they seem to come over a bit of scrutiny they play a lot better," Widdop said.

"We certainly know they're going to come here and put in a good performance.

"Over the years I've had a lot of really tough games against them. They're a tough team and they always come out quick and start fast and that's been our problem that last three weeks.

"They're in need of a win as well so it's going to be a tough match."

Widdop said the Dragons may also feel the brunt of criticism directed at Cherry-Evans, which he dubbed "unfair".

"In the last few rounds he's been under pressure which is probably a bit unfair," Widdop said.

"He's a class player and he won't be affected by that. He can't deal with external people and things that are written about him, he can only control what he does on the field ... I'm sure he'll come out and have a good game."

Widdop has made a relatively quiet start to the season and he will involve himself a lot more against Manly.

"The first few rounds - as a team - hasn't been good enough and my personal form's been a bit up and down," he said.

"You lose your first two games and you're down 18-0, I think anyone's confidence would go a little bit.

"Over the years I've learned from some of the great players I've played with that there's nothing you can do about that, you've just got to back your ability.

"That's what I did in the second half [against Canberra] and hopefully I can continue that this week."

Widdop's slow start the year have prompted rumours he's not happy at the club but he scoffed at suggestions he's contemplating any move.