THE queue has started to form in anticipation of Andy Farrell's return to rugby league.

And the former Wigan and Great Britain skipper could well decide to return to his first love if he fails to forge his way into the England union squad preparing for next year's World Cup.

Rob Andrew, England's newly-appointed coaching supremo, can offer no guarantees of selection to the injury-jinxed former star, who is currently playing reserve-grade rugby union with Saracens and number of top Super League clubs are monitoring the situation.

Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay, who sanctioned his move from the JJB Stadium, is on record as saying he would welcome Farrell back should the opportunity present itself.

Warrington Wolves would challenge Wigan for Farrell's signature. His father Peter is the Wolves chief scout and the club's major backer, Simon Moran, is a huge fan.

Speculation has been rife for a while concerning Warrington's interest in a player who has endured a nightmare 18 months in union.

Farrell has undergone major surgery, seen his career threatened by injury and has only just started playing regularly.

David Watkins, the ex-Salford player and former dual international, believes it is highly unlikely that Farrell will figure in the World Cup.

Ability

"Farrell was paid an awful lot of money when he switched codes but I just wonder, did he leave it too late before he went to union?

"In the last 10 years, I've never seen a better all-round player in League but Andy's switch was not about ability.

"I don't want to be seen as a critic claiming he won't make it in union, I'm merely pointing out how tough it is adapting to the various skills.

"Time is no longer on Farrell's side. He has had problems with injury and they still don't know what his best position is.

"In the forwards for instance, he will have had to learn how to jump in line-outs, how to bind in a scrum and how to scrum and forage in the loose.

"He will also have had to master the golden rule of releasing the ball in the tackle and this is not as easy as it sounds. These are all specialist techniques and to master them and to be fully attuned is asking a lot of anyone in such a short period of time."

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