Canterbury skipper James Graham has branded criticism of embattled countryman Gareth Widdop as unfair following St George Illawarra’s tumble down the NRL ladder.

Dragons captain Widdop, his teammates, coach Paul McGregor and the club’s administration are under pressure in the wake of three straight losses which has seen them slump to 11th.

Graham said his English Test teammate was a quality player and brushed off suggestions the Dragons would be walkovers when the two sides meet at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.