Castleford star Rangi Chase is considering a return to his former club St George Illawarra after the Super League team confirmed their player has opened talks with the Australian outfit.

New Zealand-born Chase, the 2011 Man of Steel, has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Castleford since being suspended in June for breaching club rules on drinking alcohol before a match.

The 26-year-old, who is currently with England on a training camp in South Africa, had hinted before flying out with his international team-mates that a deal could be in the pipeline.

“There is still interest from St George and, if a deal comes, it’s a bonus because obviously there is better money over there,” he said at the time.

“I’ve got a young family now so I’ve got to do what’s best for them.”

Chase, who has three years left on his current contract, saw a move to Hull fall through due to visa difficulties, but a switch back to St George appears on the cards.

In a statement, Tigers chief executive Steve Ferres said: “Rangi is in talks with the club but to date, no transfer has been agreed and he remains a Castleford player.”

Ferres has said the club would listen to offers for their star player but would only agree to release him if it was in the interests of the Castleford, who signed Chase from St George in 2009.