Written by: Steven Williams

South Sydney Rabbitohs have rejected Nathan Blacklock's offer to return to Rugby League in 2003.

Rumours were rife last week that the former St George winger and Souths were in contract negotiations. Blacklock is understood to be deeply dissatisfied with his switch to Rugby Union having seen very little ball since he joined the 15-man game last June.

"We'd struggled to fit him in [under the salary cap] and I don't know if he's fair dinkum anyway," Souths chief executive Paul Dunn said yesterday.

The Rabbitohs' salary cap is reportedly at its peak after a spending spree which saw them sign St George Illawarra players Willie Peters, Justin Smith and Lee Hookey, Brisbane pair Chris Walker and Ashley Harrison and Sydney Roosters forward Bryan Fletcher.

When he left Rugby League, Blacklock signed a legal agreement with St George Illawarra which prevents him playing with any other National Rugby League club before the end of the 2004 season.

Dragons chief executive Peter Doust yesterday said he has had no recent contact with Blacklock or his management. 

Blacklock's close friend, Lee Hookey said that he had spoken by telephone last Wednesday with his former team mate. 

"He wants to come [to Souths]," Hookey said last night. "He wants to get out [of rugby] because it's not his style. 

"But he enjoys it most when he's getting the ball. He's not getting the ball." 

St George Illawarra captain Trent Barrett said he'd welcome Blacklock back to Saints. 

"He's had a break, but Tingha's a great player and it'd certainly be nice to have him scoring 20 tries for us." 

"Once I find out what's going on, I wouldn't mind talking to him," he said. 

After being the competition's top try scorer for a record four seasons in a row, Blacklock walked out on Rugby League and St George last June stating he no longer had the passion for the game. 

He then signed a two year deal with the NSW Waratahs and found a new home with Rugby Union club, Southern Districts. 

The winger however, has been starved of the ball and has struggled to make an impact in union circles, prompting a renewed desire to return to Rugby League.

For more on Nathan Blacklock: click here

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