Shaun Wane is in talks with Wigan Warriors over a shock return to the club next season.
Wane, a true legend of the club after illustrious playing and coaching spells, is in discussions to take on a role that would see him combine coaching and operational duties, such as recruitment. He will not be returning in a head coach capacity.
Wane will lead England into the World Cup later this year and any incoming return to Wigan will not impact his ability to fulfil the role through the Autumn. It is unclear whether Wane will continue to coach the national team beyond this year's competition.
The future of current head coach Adrian Lam remains unclear, with the former halfback off-contract at the end of the season.
Lam is in his third year in charge and won the League Leaders' Shield in 2020. But there has been no mention of what the future holds beyond the end of the season.
Wane, 56, was part of the Wigan side that dominated the 80s and represented Great Britain during his time with the club. He was named man of the match when Wigan won the World Club Challenge in 1987 as they defeated Manly 8-2.
He returned to the club in 2003 and worked his way up the coaching ladder before being appointed as head coach in 2011.
During his seven years in charge, Wane oversaw three Grand Final triumphs and one Challenge Cup win. They were crowned World Club Champions again in 2017, with Wane coaching the side to victory 30 years on from his man of the match display.
Wane has made no secret of his desire to return to a club environment after the World Cup and the RFL are believed to have been kept in the loop over the development.
“If something happens in club land here or overseas, I’d definitely listen to it," Wane said.
"It could be part-time but everything I do is full-time.”
