South Sydney have begun to look elsewhere for a replacement for superstar Sam Burgess after missing out on the prized signature of Andrew Fifita.
The Rabbitohs had reportedly earmarked Cronulla prop Fifita as a replacement at Redfern for the next NRL season and beyond for the rugby union-bound Burgess.
But those plans were snuffed out on Wednesday when Fifita announced he would join Canterbury for the next four seasons beginning in 2015.
That means Souths have now turned their attention elsewhere to fit the considerable shoes of Burgess.
The Rabbitohs have been linked to off-contract Bulldogs prop James Graham but the Englishman appears set to stay at Belmore with talk of a re-signing announcement imminent.
Graham’s teammate, Sam Kasiano, whose contract with the Bulldogs also concludes at the end of this season, is the latest big name connected to Michael Maguire’s Rabbitohs.
Either way Souths have plenty of money to spend with Burgess to exit at year’s end.
“I don’t comment on what players movements are, we are focused on our team here,” Maguire said.
“Every team is looking all the time for various players, that is part of what coaches and organisations are doing.
“Obviously if the right person comes up you look at it.”
Souths were highly impressive in their 28-8 round one win over premiers Sydney Roosters.
They adjusted well to the new rule changes but Maguire said he didn’t think the game was in danger of becoming too fast.
“I thought our game on Thursday night was a fair game of rugby league, so as much as it was quick it was very physical and it showed the physicality of the game,” Maguire said.
“As much as there have been changes, they are not that dramatic.
“Obviously tackling below the knee is in play, that was there last year, it is just a matter of adjusting to it.
“The referees are calling held a little quicker, it’s just a matter of getting attuned to what they are doing now.
“With the players we have got like Issac (Luke) coming out of dummy half, if it is quicker it is going to help us out in that area along with having a few big blokes so if it is quicker hopefully it is in our favour.”
