Waratah problem child Nathan Blacklock is reportedly set to be granted his wish to leave rugby union and return to rugby league, possibly as early as next week.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports New South Wales rugby union officials are ready to release the former Kangaroo winger despite having said they would enforce his Super 12 contract and make him play for at least the rest of this year.

Blacklock's beloved St George Illawarra was meanwhile making preparations' for their prodigal son's return by releasing Fijian flyer Wise Kativerata.

The paper reported Blacklock could play for the Dragons in their Kogarah Oval homecoming match on Sunday May 4 against Cronulla, after meeting next week with union officials.

But it said a May 16 encounter against the Bulldogs was a more likely scenario for his return.

St George Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust told the Herald the club was keen to have Blacklock back.

Dragons coach Nathan Brown was quoted saying: "He has got a meeting with rugby union next week and they will let him know where he stands. Hopefully he can get a release."

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