They’re preparing for him not to play but St George Illawarra are still holding hope of Gareth Widdop returning for Saturday’s NRL elimination final.

The Englishman is battling a quadriceps injury and remains a huge doubt to take on Canterbury in the do-or-die clash at ANZ Stadium.

Halves partner Benji Marshall says the Dragons are ready to go without Widdop but haven’t given up hope of a sooner-than-expected return.