South Sydney have made St Helens halfback Lewis Dodd a legitimate option to be their next No.7, luring the English playmaker to the NRL.
Dodd is understood to have told St Helens teammates he will leave the Super League at the end of this year, and is expected to take up a deal with the Rabbitohs.
South Sydney head of football Mark Ellison is believed to be headed to England to finalise the deal imminently.
Dodd's arrival will place further questions over Lachlan Ilias' future in the Souths' No.7 jersey.
Prioritised over Adam Reynolds at the end of 2021, Ilias was dropped after two games this year as part of the Rabbitohs' woeful start to the season.
The 22-year-old then suffered a broken leg in his second game back in reserve grade, ruining the rest of his season.
Dean Hawkins has also failed to impress in place of Ilias, after being the NSW Cup player of the year last season.
Dodd took St Helens to a Super League premiership in 2021, and then kicked the match-winning field goal to win the World Club Challenge against Penrith last year.
Australian Associated Press
