The Rabbitohs are set to lose another representative back-rower, with Origin star Ben Te'o confirming he will join England international Sam Burgess in departing the Burrow at the end of the season.
Te'o has been the subject of plenty of speculation in recent months, being linked to both European rugby and rival NRL clubs, but the five-time Queensland representative remains undecided on where he will ply his trade next year beyond the fact it won't be in the red and green.
"I won't be at the Bunnies next year," Te'o said.
"I'm not sure yet [where I'll be], still trying to figure that out, I've got a few options but I didn't take up the option to stay here for next year."
Pressed on why he won't be extending his stay at the Rabbitohs for a third season, Te'o was coy, citing a need for "change", though he was quick to hose down suggestions he was unhappy at the club – without ruling out the possibility of lining up against them for another NRL side.
"I'm enjoying my footy at the moment, I'm enjoying being around these guys and the environment that we have here," he said.
"So yes, I am enjoying it and to be a part of Origin too is a great achievement for myself.
"I thought I would stay at the Tigers and I thought I would stay at the Broncs, and I've had to play against mates before so that side of it doesn't really bother me."
The 27-year-old also joined the growing chorus of players calling for stand-alone Origin fixtures, in the wake of the extensive injury toll out of last Wednesday's brutal series opener.
With a number of the game's stars ruled out or facing turnarounds as short as 48 hours for club games, Te'o said it was unreasonable to expect players to back up after a contest as punishing as last week's interstate clash.
"It's crazy, You shouldn't be doing that with your body.
"I've experienced that in terms of I played in the Auckland Nines at the start of the year, and on the second day I woke up and it was tough to get out there and play.
"I can only imagine the guys that, 48 hours after Origin, are playing footy again. It's just not right to do it to them.
"There's some sore bodies out there and there's some guys that definitely burn out towards the end of the year and you've got to make sure you manage them.
"From a fans point of view I can understand why they don't want [the NRL] to stop.
"They want to see their teams and their clubs keep playing footy but I think it's the best thing for the game and for our main assets; the athletes."
