Wigan say they will let stand-off Trent Barrett return to Australia a year early if they receive a formal request.

There has been intense speculation in Australia that Barrett, 30, will return home at the end of this season because his wife is homesick.

"Trent will definitely complete this season with Wigan," said chairman Ian Lenagan on the club's website.

But Lenagan confirmed Barrett "will almost certainly leave then and not complete his third contracted year".

Barrett, who joined Wigan from St George Illawarra Dragons in 2006, is halfway through a three-year contract at the JJB Stadium.

He enjoyed an excellent first season with the club, winning the Rugby League Writers' Association Player of the Year award.

606: DEBATE If we can get a player of a similar ability then great but the problem is learning to play with them AncientNLoyal

Lenagan, who met with Barrett's agent last Friday, said there were still a number of issues to be resolved.

"The uncertainty arises from the fact that we have not yet received a formal release request from Trent's agent, that discussions on compensation have not yet even started and that changes of mind can sometimes occur in these situations," he said.

"In these particularly genuine circumstances, the Wigan club does not believe that forcing the player to honour his contract would be sensible, since an unsettled player can result in poor performances which are of no benefit to either party."

St George Illawarra, who will be coached by Wayne Bennett from 2009, head a host of National Rugby League outfits vying for the former Australia international's signature.