The 30-year-old Englishman shocked his club in January when he sought a release from the final year two years of his contract to pursue a long-held dream of playing in the UK Super League.

The Dragons granted the request after signing Corey Norman as a replacement, with Widdop stating his intention to finish his final season on a premiership-winning note.

Those plans looked entirely scuppered when he re-dislocated his shoulder against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium in round three after first injuring it at the same venue in week one of last year's finals.

It saw him undergo his second shoulder operation in six months and fears he's played his last game for the club. It also prompted suggestions he may look to head to the UK early but he says it's something he never considered.

"I was always determined to get back on the field for the Dragons," Widdop said.

"This is where I'm contracted, next year's next year and I was always going to work hard in rehab and pull on this jersey [again].

"It's been a big part of my life and my career, and my family's life. I haven't thought about next year whatsoever, it's always been about this year and my focus to get back on the field.

"Thankfully I've done that. Obviously we're not in the greatest of positions which is disappointing but it's just time to reflect and enjoy the next couple of weeks with the boys."

Widdop had long loomed on the horizon as the Dragons' finals saviour and it very nearly proved the case on Friday night when he nailed a clutch go-ahead penalty with a minute on the clock.

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Campbell Graham's try with barely seconds left snatched back the victory and also ensured Widdop's time in Wollongong won't end in the finals.

It's not the exit he hoped for but he insists there's still plenty to play for over the remaining six weeks.

"The last nine months have been quite difficult, I've been sat on the sidelines and obviously [the dislocation] happening a couple of times," he said.

"Being on the sideline's difficult, especially when you're losing and it's all out of your control. Moving on next year and finishing off this way is not the ideal way but I'm back playing now and I'm going to enjoy this last six weeks playing with the boys.

"We spoke about not giving in and showing some pride in yourself as a person and as a team and what it means to pull that Dragons jersey on.

"Irrelevant to the ladder we've still got to go out there and perform. It's our job and that's what we'll be doing. We'll stick together, there's six games left, and we'll fight to the death."

It will no doubt be a nervous six weeks for Warrington coach Steve Price, but Widdop is confident his twice reconstructed shoulder is up to the rigours of the NRL.

"I've been quite lucky my whole career, I haven't missed too many games or had too many setbacks," Widdop said.

"This is the first time so I've been quite lucky. Obviously this second shoulder reco, coming back from having surgery and it failing you're going to be nervous.

"You're confidence is going to be down a little bit but I've done everything that's been asked of me rehab-wise and I'm back playing which is great.

"It's going to take a couple of weeks to get back into the rhythm of things but [Friday night] was a step in the right direction."