English halfback Lewis Dodd is set to join South Sydney next season after informing the Super League powerhouse on Friday he would not be taking up his option for 2025.
Sources with knowledge of the Dodd situation, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to this masthead that Rabbitohs recruitment chief Mark Ellison will board a flight to England on Sunday to meet with Dodd and several other signing targets.
Australian rugby league fans will recall Dodd kicking the winning field-goal in golden point against Penrith in last year’s World Club Challenge.
Dodd is only 22 but had been on the radar of several NRL clubs.
Cody Walker and Lachie Ilias are the recognised halves at Souths, but both players are off contract next year.
Dean Hawkins has replaced the injured Ilias the past few weeks, but is only contracted until the end of the season.
Lewis Dodd celebrates the World Club Challenge last year in Penrith.Credit: Getty
Some at the Rabbitohs view Ilias as an ideal No.14, or even a five-eighth option, where he has played in the past, once Walker retires.
Souths are preparing to face premiers Penrith on Thursday night with pressure mounting on coach Jason Demetriou, whose side are 1-6 to start the year, including a 54-20 drubbing against Melbourne on Anzac Day.