EXCLUSIVE: Brisbane Broncos or Newcastle Knights could use Gareth Widdop, legends say

Brisbane and Newcastle are two possible destinations should Gareth Widdop navigate a return to the NRL, according to Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler.

The 32-year-old Englishman has been out of the NRL for 18 months but has been constantly linked with a return since his departure.

"I have no idea," Johns replied, when asked on Nine's Freddy and the Eighth why interest in the former Dragons and Storm star had been so low.

"Newcastle would be ideal for Gareth. Brisbane, definitely."

The Knights are still without Mitchell Pearce, while an injury to Blake Green has forced another halves re-shuffle this week.

Kurt Mann and Phoenix Crossland will be the playmakers for Newcastle in what is looming as a must-win clash with the also-struggling Raiders.

Widdop is currently plying his trade for Warrington in the English Super League.

"He'd be great," said Brad Fittler, adding that they could use the experience, given that Karmichael Hunt isn't allowed to play for Brisbane for several more weeks.

Widdop had arrived in Australia late last year for a Christmas holiday with his family and had reportedly slashed his asking price to around $300,000 per season in a bid to secure a deal back in the NRL.

However, with few clubs still with room to move in their salary caps for the 2021 season, Widdop was unable to attract a contract, despite interest from the Sydney Roosters.

The 2017 Dally M five-eighth of the year departed the NRL at the end of 2019, having spent four seasons with the Storm and six with the Dragons.

He won the 2012 grand final with Melbourne, playing in the halves alongside Cooper Cronk.