New halves will take time to gel: Gasnier

Hunt and Widdop had their first outing as a pair in last week’s trial victory over Hull at ANZ Stadium and will look to build on the performance in Saturday’s Charity Shield clash with Souths at Mudgee.

Having both been involved in last year’s World Cup, they’ve had limited time to gel on the practice track ahead of their season-opener against Brisbane.

Gasnier isn’t expecting a slow start from either man, but says their best work as a combination could be a little while coming.

“I’m not expecting miracles from Hunt and Widdop early,” Gasnier, now an analyst with Fox Sports, said.

“You’re still going to see good things from them but I think, to maximise each other talents, you need time to build that.

“Widdop will get a really good understanding of what Ben will want, Ben will get a better understanding of what Gareth wants, when they want the football and those sort of things. 

“After about eight or nine rounds, it just becomes habit. You’re two steps ahead because you know what they’re going to do and that’s when instinct and reaction takes over.

“We saw the way [Anthony] Milford clicked with Ben Hunt when he arrived in Brisbane after about six or seven rounds and you just thought ‘wow’ what a combination.

“I think we’ll see something similar [at the Dragons]. I still expect them to win games but I think, by the time you get to round nine, that’s when we’ll see the best of them.”

Many have been quick to label Hunt’s six-year $6 million deal a gamble on the Dragons’ part, but Gasnier expects it to be win-win for club and player. 

“If you get the opportunity to get a half like that why wouldn’t you try lock them into a long-term deal,” he said.

“You’ve go to remember they’ve re-signed Gareth for an extra four years and [Cameron] McInnes has re-signed as well so straight away you’ve got stability in your spine. They’re not old by any means.

“You’ve got to back yourself sometimes in recruitment and when you’re in a rebuilding phase and trying to build stability you need to base it around the positions you prioritise.

“Mary obviously identified the halves and wanted to build around that so I think it’s a good move. I think Ben Hunt will be really good for the club.”

The Dragons have made just one finals appearance since Gasnier – a 2010 premiership-winner – retired in 2011, but he’s confident they can return to finals this season.

“It’s a genuine top-eight team. Barring injury or suspension, they should make the eight,” Gasnier said.

“If I’m Paul McGregor I’m really happy with where they’re at. He’s got some genuine punch now in the forwards, he’s got great strike, he’s a got a little bit of depth there to.

“I’d just be hoping to get through the Charity Shield with no injuries and I’d be really happy and confident heading into 2018.”