WARRINGTON Wolves have once again moved to pour cold water on reports of a return to Australia for Gareth Widdop.

For most of the campaign, rumours that the England international would cut short his three-year marquee deal with The Wire have been almost constant.

Indeed reports in the Australian media linked Widdop with a swap deal that involved him returning to former club St George Illawarra Dragons, who would in turn see their out-of-favour half-back Corey Norman head to The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

When those reports emerged, the club insisted the half-back had not asked for a release from his contract and this morning, chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick told the Guardian that remains the case.

He said: "The club's position and understanding has not changed since this matter was raised previously."

Widdop has made 12 appearances for The Wire this season, scoring five tries and kicking 10 goals.