STEVE Price says he is “expecting big things” from Gareth Widdop this year after impressing him since returning for pre-season training.

After completing the first year of a three-season marquee deal with The Wire, the England international was continually linked with a move back to the NRL.

Rumours were fuelled as Widdop returned to Australia to spend the off-season with his family but he was back in the UK in time to resume training with his Wire teammates.

Price says the half-back has been “unreal” since coming back to the club as he prepares for his second season in Super League.

“I’m very impressed with Gaz – he’s been unreal,” he said.

“He’s come back in really good shape, he’s healthy and he’s happy in our environment.

“I’m expecting really big things from Gaz this year."

Widdop's Wire debut was delayed by an ankle injury picked up during pre-season training – he eventually made his bow in the Round Three loss at Wakefield last February.

Gareth Widdop in action on his Warrington Wolves debut at Wakefield last February. Picture by Mike Boden

Gareth Widdop in action on his Warrington Wolves debut at Wakefield last February. Picture by Mike Boden

He also spent time out of the first team when Super League returned from lockdown as one of several Wolves players stood down for two games due to Covid protocol.

Overall, he made 14 appearances for the club during 2020 which yielded five tries, 10 goals and a drop goal.