Shaun Wane on the John Bateman rumours... and 'over the top' praise for George Williams

One Australian journalist, James Hooper, suggested the forward had sounded out Wigan about a return despite previously indicating he wants to stay in Australia.

And England and ex-Wigan coach Wane said: “I spoke to John yesterday. If he comes back to Super League, I’m sure clubs would want him, but I think he has some unfinished business in the NRL.

“It’ll be eating away at him that he’s not won a Grand Final there."

Last month Bateman hurled a personal insult at Hooper over one of his reports that he had requested a release from Canberra on four occasions.

Wane, meanwhile, said he felt Australian commentators were too gushing in their praise of George Williams after his recent display.

He created two tries in Saturday’s 22-6 win at Melbourne and legend Brad Fittler led the salutes, describing the ex-Warrior’s performance as “10 out of 10”, “flawless” and the most complete he had seen in years.

Wane, who gave Williams his debut as coach of Wigan, said: “I thought the Aussies went over the top, they were raving about him.

“I’ve seen him do those things hundreds of times, he does it in Super League it doesn’t seem to be recognised. I thought he did some good things but he can have more involvements.

“If George had delivered that for me at Wigan, I’d have been into him. I’m sure other Super League coaches may have been the same.

“He did well, no question. I’m a big George Williams fan. But he needs to improve.”