NRL club closing in on signing star English playmaker

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are reportedly closing in on signing highly touted St Helens halfback Lewis Dodd.

The English Super League favourite is off contract with the Saints at the end of the season and has reportedly informed the club that he will not be taking up his option for renewal for 2025.

The Rabbitohs, who are positioned at the bottom of the premiership ladder, are reportedly close to signing a three to four-year deal with the Englishman.

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The Sydney Morning Herald reports that sources close to the 22-year-old, who have spoken under the condition of anonymity, confirmed Dodd would be meeting with Rabbitohs recruitment chief Mark Ellison in England in the coming days to finalise the agreement.

Dodd was a dominant force during the 2023 World Cup Challenge, kicking the winning field goal in the Saints' 13-12 triumph over the Penrith Panthers

Dodd debuted at St Helens in 2020 and has played a pivotal role in the powerhouse club's success in recent years, including the Saints' 2021 premiership victory over the Catalans Dragons.

His playmaking skills and leadership qualities have caught the eye of several NRL clubs.

However, Dodd's potential agreement with Souths raises uncertainty regarding the future of the Rabbitohs' current halves pairing.

Dean Hawkins, who was the starting halfback during the Rabbitohs' thrashing of the Storm on Anzac Day, is off contract at the end of the 2024 season and has been replacing injured halfback Lachlan Ilias.

Ilias, 23, donned the No.7 jersey in the opening rounds with South Sydney but has been viewed as an ideal No.14 or five-eighth option for when Souths star Cody Walker retires. 

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The current halves pairing both have one year remaining on their contracts, with Dodd likely to replace Ilias and form a dynamic partnership with Walker.

Coach Jason Demetriou has mounting pressure on him ahead of South Sydney's clash with three-time reigning premiers the Panthers, with the side recording only one win this season.

The Rabbitohs board will meet on Tuesday to review Demetriou's performance at the helm.