Richards could be a Tiger again

Grand final hero Pat Richards could make a surprise NRL return for Wests Tigers next season after falling out of favour at English club Wigan.

Richards signed a three-year deal with the Super League club, but hasn't played in the top squad since the Warriors' 24-18 win over Catalans on June 18. Wigan has offloaded six players in the past month to allow for the $1.1 million signing of superstar Bradford prop Stuart Fielden, prompting the Tigers to enquire about Richards' availability.

Richards was one of the stars of the Tigers' fairytale run to the premiership last season and scored a spectacular try in the grand final win over North Queensland.