Romain Navarrete pushing for a starting spot in Wigan Warriors lineup

Romain Navarrete (left) has impressed coach Shaun Wane during training and friendlies, such as against South Sydney this month

Shaun Wane has put his current props on notice that the French international deserves a place in his side.

The Warriors boss has yet to decide whether to bring Navarrete into the mix for Friday’s game against Widnes - their first home fixture since last September.

But either way, it appears the 23-year-old won’t have to wait long for his chance after impressing during training and in friendlies.

Wane said: “I’ve told all the players that Romain is very, very close - it wasn’t an easy one leaving him out of the Warrington game (last Friday).

“I’ve been impressed with him and he’s going to be playing in the next few games.

“And now, it’s not so much about what he needs to do as what our starting middles need to do. I’ve told them all, they need to impress me or someone is gone and he’s in.”

Navarrete signed for Wigan ahead of last season and made 10 appearances, all from the bench.

But he rejoined former club Catalans on loan last summer because he was homesick, and for that reason, many expected the 23-year-old to seek a permanent move away.

Instead, he rejected offers from elsewhere and reported for pre-season training in January.

Wane was soon enthusing about his attitude and the hard-running forward caught in the eye in friendlies against Leigh, Swinton and - most recently - South Sydney.

“He was way off last year,” said Wane. “It’s hard being at this club with what we demand, but in another way it’s easy for a middle - run hard, tackle hard, a few details in how we attack and defend... he did all that in the Souths game. He was confrontational.

“He’s up there, and now I’m considering leaving a middle out.”