South Sydney have emerged as a suitor for Josh Jackson if the NSW and Australian forward is unable to agree terms on an extension with Canterbury.
Jackson is one of the biggest-name forwards off contract and the 25-year-old is hopeful of settling his long-term future before the start of the season. The Bulldogs are the favourites for his signature, hopeful of securing Jackson until 2020. However, there is no shortage of suitors if the parties don't come to terms, with the Rabbitohs, Manly and another Sydney club ready to pounce.
Jackson has played 84 games for the Bulldogs since making his NRL debut in 2012 and has developed into one of the best backrowers in the game. His stocks have risen after playing in all three Origin games last season after making his Test debut the year before.
Jackson's form has piqued the interest of Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire, who is keen to bolster his pack following the departure of forwards Chris McQueen, Issac Luke, Glenn Stewart and Ben Lowe in the off-season.
The Rabbitohs are keen to reassert their dominance in the middle and view Jackson as the ideal recruit to add to a forward roster already boasting the returning Sam Burgess and twin brothers George and Tom. The interest in the Gulgong product will further fuel a Rabbitohs-Bulldogs rivalry that has emerged after a series of classic encounters, most notably the 2014 grand final.
Likewise, Manly has become an attractive destination for star talent after luring Dylan Walker, Nate Myles, Lewis Brown, Martin Taupau, Apisai Koroisau, Matt Parcell, Darcy Lussick, Tom Wright and Tim Moltzen to the northern beaches. The Sea Eagles have again become a serious player in the market and Jackson would be a welcome addition should he decide to explore his options.
That will only happen if talks break down with Canterbury, with the "Family Club" given first opportunity to seal a deal before other offers are considered. It's understood the Country Origin forward would be happy with a deal of three or four years and would prefer negotiations not to drag into the season proper.
The Bulldogs, who will play their opening trial of the year against Penrith at Pepper Stadium on Saturday, will soon have some positive retention news to trumpet. After months of negotiations, Moses Mbye is close to inking a new Canterbury contract. The promising playmaker's chances of playing for Queensland this year increased after Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford were among a host of emerging players banned for breaking curfew during a recent camp.
The Rabbitohs will get a look at some of their new recruits, including Damien Cook, Dane Nielsen and Hymel Hunt, at Saturday night's traditional Charity Shield clash against St George Illawarra.
