Former Canberra and St George Illawarra centre David Howell has left the door open for a return to Australia despite recently signing a deal with English Super League side Harlequins.

The 25-year-old joined Quins from the Raiders last year and has quickly established himself as a fans' favourite at the Twickenham Stoop.

And although he put a pen to paper on a new two-year contract last month, Howell admits the lure of international rugby remains strong.

He said: "There's always the thought of going back to the NRL and pushing for an international spot but they're really trying to push young players through over there so it would be tough.

"In the near future it doesn't look likely at all. But who knows? They may be in need of a centre some time down the line and the door is still definitely open in my eyes - never say never.

"There's not as much pressure playing in the UK as there is in the NRL so you get a lot more time to go out and develop your game.

"I'm enjoying going out and expressing myself, trying to become a better player without the fear of not being selected each week."

Elsewhere, former Brisbane Broncos great Terry Matterson revealed he is close to extending his deal as Castleford coach.

Matterson has been in charge at the Jungle for four years and is hoping to sign a new contract in the next few weeks.

"We are nearly there and things should be sorted shortly," said Matterson, who watched his side fall to a 18-34 defeat against Warrington at the weekend.

"We've just had some other focus recently with the Challenge Cup and playing week to week and we just haven't sort of got round to it. I certainly want to stay - there's never been an issue with that."

Leeds coach Brian McClennan insists his side only have themselves to blame for their 32-30 defeat to the Catalan Dragons which saw them lose ground at the top of the table.

The Rhinos now trail St Helens by four points but former New Zealand coach McClennan admits his side got what they deserved in Perpignan.

"I don't feel as though we've been robbed - Catalans' general performance and energy was better than ours, it was a fair result."

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