Dragons 2019: McGregor owns call on resting Hunt

Hunt sat out his side's 40-12 loss to the Panthers after playing all three Origin games out of position at hooker appeared to take it's toll against Canberra in round 18.

With the Dragons season on the line it was a call that raised eyebrows, though most of the criticism was directed at McGregor in the lead up to the match.

Critics have shifted their focus following the heavy defeat, with many pointing the finger at Hunt and questioning his commitment given his side's predicament.

McGregor hit back those suggestions on Thursday, saying he took the decision out of Hunt's hands.

"A lot's been said about it over the last week, it was a conversation between me and Ben and I made the decision," McGregor.

"The loads that we looked at that he took playing Origin, along with backing up five days later, for the welfare of the player and betterment of the team to finish the season well it was time for Ben not to play.

"If I put Ben on the field and he was injured through fatigue and we didn't have him this week, or for the rest of the year, how would that have looked?

"The decision was made and we need to move on. Ben's now had a 12-day break between games, he's refreshed and ready to go."

Hunt's return this week will come alongside skipper Gareth Widdop, who'll make his first appearance since round three after undergoing surgery on a dislocated shoulder.

There were fears Widdop, who'll depart for the UK Super League at season's end, may have played his last game for the club after re-injuring his troublesome shoulder.

It brought suggestions he may seek an early release to link with Warrington but McGregor says the 30-year-old has been committed to returning to the park this season.

"He's worked so hard to get back on the footy field and put himself in the position he's in this week to play," McGregor said.

"He went down to Melbourne and saw the surgeon a couple of weeks ago and the surgeon gave him the all clear. He's had full training and full contact for two weeks.

"The risk [of re-injury] now and the risk in six months, 12 months, two years is exactly the same.

"It shows really good leadership, selflessness and determination for him to want to go back on the field and finish the year.

"He's our captain and he's had six really strong years [here]. He's been our most consistent player over that period of time so he gives others confidence."

Widdop started the year at fullback following the arrival of Corey Norman, but Friday will see those roles reversed in a new-look spine.

"He's at six because he hasn't played any footy for 18 weeks," McGregor said.

"The [running] loads you do have at fullback are really high and Normy wanted to go back there to be honest.

"He was keen and Gareth wanted to play six and with the timing of the year it's important you get players comfortable in positions.

"That's the way we spoke about it as a group and that's the way it's going out there tomorrow night... you might see us mix it up a bit."