Widdop is likely to partner Ben Hunt, rested in the 40-18 capitulation to Penrith, in the halves, with Corey Norman expected to shift to fullback.

He will still have to make it through testing contact sessions this week, before being cleared to take on Souths at ANZ Stadium.

It's a far cry from the fairytale premiership farewell Widdop hoped for in his last season in the Red V, watching on during his recovery from a shoulder dislocation, as the Dragons have lost nine of their last 11 games.

After starting the season at five-eighth and Widdop at fullback, Corey Norman confirmed he's prepared to make the swap with the English international.

"Hopefully Gaz is back this week, it would be a massive inclusion for us," Norman said. "He's our captain, he's moving on at the end of the year and Gaz wants to finish on a high as well. I'm not too sure what the positional changes will be, but if I have to move for Gareth, then I'm more than happy to do that."

While they're still two wins outside the top eight, the Dragons are languishing in 14^th and would likely need to win all seven remaining games to finish on 28 points and a chance to qualify. for finals.

Forward Korbin Sims said experience would be the crucial factor of what Widdop's return would bring to the Dragons.

Hunt was rested for the Panthers game after a demanding State of Origin campaign at dummy-half for Queensland.

"Gareth is the captain of the club for a reason and Benny is an Origin and Australian rep for the same reason," Sims said.

"Their experience has been great (for us)."

Coach Paul McGregor has copped the brunt of calls among the fanbase for him to be sacked, but received the support of chief executive Brian Johnston in an interview with the Mercury.

Both Norman and Sims said the players must take the heat off McGregor by producing a dramatic form reversal.

McGregor will name his team for the Rabbitohs clash on Tuesday, with Matt Dufty, Tristan Sailor and Zac Lomax all bench utility options for the must-win game.

Most concerningly, St George Illawarra have conceded 76 points in the past fortnight, including some noticeable defensive errors to concede tries.

Widdop and other leadership group members James Graham and Tyson Frizell led a video review session at WIN Stadium on Monday, before McGregor weighed in on the way forward. Captain Cameron McInnes also delivered a searing assessment in the dressing sheds after the Panthers loss.

"There were some honest words said, the senior players stood up," Sims said.

"They voiced their opinion and then Paul McGregor voiced his opinion.

"But it wasn't all doom and gloom, it wasn't all a bash-up session. Moving into the Souths game I think we're in a good spot to start fresh."

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