The Rabbitohs' chase for star forward David Fifita is on hold until the club finds a way to offload Lewis Dodd to a rival club.
According to The Daily Telegraph, South Sydney's salary cap squeeze means Fifita's arrival is only possible if Dodd's $650,000-a-season contract is moved elsewhere.
The English halfback, signed from St. Helens on a three-year deal, has struggled to make an impact under Wayne Bennett - playing just six NRL games.
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Dodd's value has dipped so far that rival clubs are reluctant to pick up his deal, even with Souths offering to contribute $250,000 annually.
If no NRL suitor emerges, the 23-year-old may be forced back to the Super League. His future is expected to be decided before the 2026 pre-season.
Meanwhile, Bennett is eager to reunite with Fifita, the explosive back-rower he handed an NRL debut to at Brisbane in 2018.
Fifita has been granted permission to negotiate with rivals after falling out of favour at the Titans under Des Hasler.
The Titans are open to parting ways, though they may still need to contribute to his 2026 salary if a deal is struck.
Souths view Fifita as a marquee signing capable of revamping their injury-riddled forward pack.
His potential $900,000 price tag demands significant cap room; room that can only be created by shifting Dodd, who was initially signed to fix Souths' long-term halfback need.
Fifita, 25, has 134-games in first grade and crossed for 50 tries, but inconsistency and injuries have clouded his career in recent seasons.