South Sydney's ability to pursue Sam Walker for 2027 is in doubt, with the club reportedly struggling to retain Matt Dufty and re-sign Latrell Mitchell.
The Rabbitohs have signed Payne Haas for 2027, boosting their premiership prospects but adding pressure to their salary cap.
NRL reporter Michael Carayannis said Walker's arrival next season was unlikely, given several high-earning players lack deals beyond 2026.
"For 2027, I have got no clue. I have zero clue… 2028 I can. Because there is a stack at players at South Sydney off-contract, or without deals beyond next season, obviously Latrell, Campbell Graham, Jack Wighton. They are all big money earners without deals…" he said on SEN Radio.
Carayannis said South Sydney could consider Walker for 2028, but signing him earlier could require letting one of those players go.
Walker's Roosters negotiations collapsed after his management sought more time to consider a three-year extension. The club withdrew an offer reportedly worth more than $4 million, and coach Trent Robinson said Walker would likely seek a new club for 2028.
Rabbitohs back Campbell Graham welcomed the possibility of Walker joining, telling SEN Radio on Monday: "Pretty interesting stuff. Obviously he is a great player, he just won a comp. I like the way he plays his footy, I would like to have him on my team…I think he could slot in nicely with the brand of attacking footy,"
Walker is currently in the Kangaroos reserves for the World Cup, with Australia set to face New Zealand in the final.