The St George Illawarra Dragons have produced a 16-12 win over the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park on Saturday afternoon.
Widdop scored the game's first try when he opted to back himself out wide by slicing past Michael Chee-Kam to score in the 12th minute.
A big defensive play in the 29th minute from winger Jason Nightingale saw Widdop cross for his second try, after he picked up the scraps from a Kyle Lovett error and raced 60 metres to score.
Dragons back-rower Joel Thompson was placed on report for a trip on Tigers fullback James Tedesco on the stroke of half-time, which saw new Tiger Tuimoala Lolohea kick a penalty goal.
The Tigers were first to post points in the second half when they caught the Dragons defence napping out wide, allowing for Kevin Naiqama to score out wide in the 47th minute.
The Dragons responded three minutes later as back-rower Tyson Frizell produced a 30-metre dash to score following slick hands from Hame Sele.
Unfortunately that would be Frizell's last act as he soon left the field due to a rib injury.
The Tigers scored again through centre Chee-Kam – who went through untouched – in the final three minutes, but the Dragons held strong to claim the four-point win.
St George Illawarra Dragons 16 (Gareth Widdop 2, Tyson Frizell tries; Gareth Widdop 2 goals) defeated Wests Tigers 12 (Kevin Naiqama, Michael Chee-Kam tries; Tuimoala Lolohea 2 goals) at ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park. Half-time: Dragons 12-2. Crowd: 12,983.
