Exclusive: Slater tips Storm alert as Widdop sparkles

Gareth Widdop has built a reputation as one of Australia's finest young talents less than five years after emigrating there with his family from Yorkshire.

The skilful full-back – who played for Kings Cross ARLFC and was once on Halifax's scholarship scheme – was picked up by Melbourne Storm's talent scouts and has emerged as a genuine match-winner.

Surprise package Widdop starred in the Storm's Under-20 Grand Final win over Wests Tigers, scored the clinching try, claimed the club's player of the year award and has won a place in the champions' first-team squad this season as understudy to legendary Kangaroo Slater.

"I'm not really surprised by what Gareth's done because he is a great little player," said the former Golden Boot winner, who scored a hat-trick in the Gillette Four Nations final against England last November.

"It is unusual English guys come over so young but his family moved over here for business reasons and he certainly got an opportunity at the Storm.

"The club develops young players probably the best I've seen. Gareth's got the resources at his hands and has a real good future in our game."

Widdop – who could make the Melbourne squad which takes on Leeds Rhinos in the World Club Challenge next month – knows he is never likely to be able to oust Slater.

However, the man in front of him believes the 20-year-old might eventually star at stand-off for the NRL giants.

"He's got all the skills that a good ball player should have in rugby league," explained Slater.

"He's not just a good full-back. I think he's a pretty smart footballer as well and he's adapted really well. He's in the full-time squad now which will do him the world of good and I'm enjoying working with him."

VETERAN former Bradford Bulls and Huddersfield Giants star Robbie Paul admits Ian Millward is breathing new life into his game.

The former St Helens coach regularly had to counter Paul's talent when Saints were arch-rivals with Bradford but the pair have now teamed up together at Championship Leigh and it is paying dividends.

Talking at the Northern Rail Cup launch in Sheffield, Leigh's major new signing admitted: "Ian's brilliant. He's completely changed everything playing wise, breaking down all the bad habits and replacing them with cutting-edge techniques.

"I'm 33 years of age and they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks; well this old dog is sitting up and learning."