Wigan Warriors entered contract renewal talks with influential halfback Blake Green last week, but the Australian playmaker is yet to make a decision on his future.
The 27-year-old is nearing the end of a two-year deal with the cherry and whites, in which he has made 39 appearances and scored 16 tries, winning the Harry Sunderland trophy in last year’s Grand Final.
Warriors boss Shaun Wane is keen to keep hold of his star stand-off.
“We’re in talks with Blake and his management team. He’s happy here. I’m thrilled with the way he’s playing.”
But Green is less sure of his future.
“I haven’t signed a deal yet,” he told League Express.
“I’m currently talking to Waney [Shaun Wane] at Wigan to sort something out, but at the moment I haven’t signed anything, although I’ve really enjoyed my two years so far at Wigan.
“I wouldn’t say I am close to signing. We only started talking last week. It will take care of itself, and I haven’t put much emphasis on it. We’ve got a really important month ahead, with some big games coming up. My job is to ensure we are winning games and to stay focused on the footy, so it’s really at the back of my mind at the moment.”
Rumours of a move to Super League big-spenders Salford Red Devils and a return to the NRL have been rife in the last few weeks, but Green dismisses them.
“I haven’t spoken directly to any other club at the moment,” he said.
“I haven’t had any offers from Salford, I’ve seen bits on social media and stuff like that, but a lot of those things are just rumours.”
Green didn’t rule out a return to Australia, though. When asked if going back to the NRL would interest him, he said: “Yes, definitely.
“When I came over here that was one of my goals, to play really well and form a bit of a profile for myself and hopefully get the opportunity to go back to the NRL.
“I was lucky enough to enjoy some success with the team last year and that’s certainly an option. I’ll know in the next month or so what my options are with regards to going back home or staying over here.
“I can’t thank Wigan enough and Shaun Wane; he’s been really patient with me. He understands that I want to focus on this next four to six weeks of footy and get some wins, and then we will sort it out together.”
In four seasons in the NRL, Green made fewer than 50 appearances and struggled to cement a starting spot at Parramatta, Cronulla and Canterbury. He feels he has a point to prove back home.
“I was only a utility player in the NRL and I came over here to establish myself as a six and I’ve probably done that now,” he said.
“I’ve shown I’m capable of playing that position on a full-time basis. That was my main goal and I’ve done everything I’ve set out to do, to put myself in the best position possible to return and show that I’m capable of playing that role there.”
