Dual-code international Sam Burgess has raised the pulse of English coaches and fans by hinting at a return to Super League.
The 29-year-old former Bradford forward, who is about to start his eighth NRL season with South Sydney, made the suggestion at a fans reception in Sydney attended by players from Wigan Warriors, Hull, St George Illawarra and the Rabbitohs ahead of Saturday's double header at ANZ Stadium.
Wigan announced on their Twitter account: "SamBurgess8 "I would love to have a crack at @SuperLeague again at some point and win the Grand Final."
Leeds made an offer of a short-term contract to Burgess following his sudden departure from Bath in 2016 while Wigan coach Shaun Wane says he held informal talks with the player about a possible return to Super League.
However Wigan rugby director Kris Radlinski told the gathering in Sydney no formal contact has been made with the player, who is contracted to his NRL club until the end of 2019.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
South Sydney fans will no doubt be relieved that Burgess made light of Wane's attempts to gauge his interest in playing in the UK again during a video chat with the Yorkshire Post on Thursday.
"He tried to feed me a few beers and shake hands on a few promises but no, I'm happy where I am at the moment," he told interviewer Dave Craven.
Burgess, who captained England in the World Cup final in December in the absence of Sean O'Loughlin, has not been selected in the Souths team to play Wigan but twin brothers Tom and George are in the line-up.
