BBC Sport's Dave Woods

Farrar is in the frame for the post

But the Australian faces stiff competition from Manly's Peter Sharp, who has also declared his interest in the job.

Speaking to BBC Sport from his home in Wollongong, near Sydney, Farrar said: "I haven't had any contact with the club, but I would certainly be interested in having a chat.

"I will be making some contact now that Stuart has decided he's going home at the end of the year."

I'm interested, but they may have someone else in mind Andrew Farrar

"Craig Smith is a very good friend of mine," revealed Farrar, who was coach of St George-Illawarra before his sacking last October.

"I keep in contact with Phil Clarke, he keeps a tight tab on football matters at Wigan. Ian Millward is also a very good friend of mine," said Farrar.

"But I have never discussed being coach of Wigan with anyone. I'm interested, but they may have someone else in mind."

That someone else could yet be Sharp, who has already revealed he will quit the Brookvale Oval at the end of this season.

"I'm terribly interested in the Wigan job," said Sharp.

Now that Stuart has announced he's leaving, I'll be throwing my hat in the ring Peter Sharp

"It is one of the best and most famous in the world of rugby league and an attractive proposition.

"Now that Stuart has announced he's leaving, I'll be throwing my hat in the ring."

Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay has already ruled out appointing either Chris Anderson or Ellery Hanley.

Asked whether Cronulla and Australia boss Anderson was in the frame, Lindsay said: "I can nail that on the head. We are not chasing Chris Anderson."

The Warriors chief was equally dismissive of Hanley's chances.

"Ellery was an absolute legend at Wigan, probably one of the best players we have ever seen or ever will see at the club. His name will keep cropping up till he's 100," said Lindsay.

"But we are not chasing him. Ellery has been out of the game for three years. He's a wealthy man, I don't even know if Ellery would want to pursue that area."