The Unfinished Business Driving a Newcastle Rugby League Veteran
Western Suburbs fullback Steve Widders has pinpointed one compelling reason for his continued presence on the Newcastle Rugby League field, fourteen years after his first-grade debut. The experienced player, who turns 32 this year, remains motivated by the pursuit of a premiership ring that has eluded him throughout his career.
Full Circle Moment with Familiar Coach
In what Widders describes as a "full circle" moment, new Rosellas coach Adam Bettridge previously presented him with his debut jersey at South Newcastle over a decade ago. This reunion adds a layer of familiarity to Wests' 2026 campaign, with Widders already understanding Bettridge's coaching style and premiership-winning credentials.
"I would like to have one of those [Newcastle Rugby League premierships] to my name," Widders told the Newcastle Herald. "I think that's the reason I'm still playing, chasing that ring more or less."
Career Journey Marked by Near Misses
Born in Armidale before relocating to Newcastle around age ten, Widders' rugby league journey has taken several twists. After beginning with the Rams and Waratah-Mayfield juniors, he progressed through SG Ball at the Knights before joining Souths for under 18s. His first-grade debut came in 2012 under Bettridge at the Merewether-based club.
Despite establishing himself at Souths, Widders missed their premiership successes in both 2016 and 2018. A mid-year move to Western Australia in 2016 saw him play for the Rockhampton Sharks and represent the Combined Affiliated States team. The following season brought a significant setback when he ruptured his patellar tendon in round three, sidelining him for the entire 2017 campaign.
Return to Newcastle and Wests Commitment
After returning to Souths in 2019, Widders ventured to Orange Hawks in 2020 before COVID cancelled that season. A brief stint in rugby union followed in central NSW before his Newcastle homecoming. A connection with mate Heath Gibbs prompted his "jump ship" to Western Suburbs in 2021, where he has remained committed ever since.
The 2026 season sees Gibbs returning to Wests after his Queensland Cup stint with Western Clydesdales, reuniting the pair once more. Widders acknowledges the pain of falling one win short of a decider last season, with Wests losing 26-24 to Cessnock in the preliminary final.
"Obviously falling one short last year hurt us a lot and I think that's going to drive us this pre-season and into next season, hoping to go one better," he reflected.
Squad Changes and Coaching Influence
The Rosellas' nucleus remains largely intact, including marquee player Kevin Naiqama, though they've experienced key departures in Will Smith, Joseph Paulo and Cory Denniss. Four talented players have switched from cross-town Central Newcastle, where Bettridge coached for the past two seasons, bolstering Wests' roster.
Lachlan O'Brien, Tyrone Nean and Nick Ritter have all changed allegiances along with Logan Radzievic, who continues recovering from off-season shoulder surgery. Additional recruits Bowie Foster, Pat Guthrie and Pat Williams complete the promoted players on Wests' books.
Widders forms part of an experienced spine with halfback Sam Clune and hooker Liam Wilkinson, who earned Rebels representative player of the year honors in 2025. Aidan Storrie appears likely to wear the number six jersey, while former NRL and English Super League player Luke Dorn contributes valuable coaching insights.
"Dorny played over 200 Super League games plus NRL as well, so he's got a lot of experience and a lot of attacking experience," Widders noted. "Cluney has been picking his brain at training. He brings a different dimension to how we attack and it's already showing."
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Campaign
Bettridge takes over from former NRL coach Rick Stone, who completed three campaigns with son Ben as team captain. Wests undertook a training camp at Hawks Nest upon returning to pre-season, having already completed a month's worth of sessions before Christmas.
The Rosellas open their Newcastle Rugby League campaign against The Entrance as part of Magic Round at Maitland Sportsground on April 11. They then welcome Lakes United to their headquarters at Harker Oval the following weekend, beginning what Widders hopes will be a premiership-winning season.
