In hot demand ... sacked star Reni Maitua. Photograph: Mark Evans / The Daily Telegraph

But The Daily Telegraph understands the Rabbitohs have to beat a robust bid from North Queensland to sign Maitua. The Cowboys' Test halfback Johnathan Thurston is telling his club's management to vigorously pursue Maitua.

There is a third NRL club, whose identity remains a secret, also chasing Maitua.

Maitua, 26, who lives in Maroubra, played his juniors with the Coogee Wombats and Kensington United. He played with Souths juniors before linking with Canterbury in 2004.

Maitua's manager Sam Ayoub will hold talks with Souths chief executive Shane Richardson today to discuss whether the club could sign the former Australian player.

Salary cap issues may hinder Souths' bid although if a disgruntled Craig Wing leaves Souths, the club would have money to spend.

Even if Wing stays, Maitua could sign a "back-ended" contract where the bulk of his deal will be paid out in the latter stages of his contract.

North Queensland, who unsuccessfully tried to sign Maitua late last season, will decide today on Maitua.

Asked were Souths and North Queensland interested, Ayoub said: "They are two clubs that have spoken to me about Reni. Hopefully we can have further talks today."

Ayoub outlined why Maitua is being courted by both clubs.

"He is a Souths junior and lives up the street," Ayoub said. "If Souths show genuine interest, we will discuss the situation further with them.

"Reni also sees North Queensland as being a strong club in 2009.

"He has made it known he would like to play alongside guys like Carl Webb and Luke O'Donnell.

"There is no negative either in having Johnathan Thurston and Willie Tonga in the Cowboys side."

Richardson would not rule out a Maitua return but did stress his club had salary cap issues for 2009.

"We would never discard it. I haven't spoken to Sam about Reni but I do speak to him (Ayoub) on a regular basis," Richardson said. "He is a Souths junior and you always like to have your juniors back.

"But we have nothing in the salary cap. I don't know what the situation is with Reni and I haven't spoken to anyone one about him."

Maitua was unavailable yesterday, but Cowboys CEO Peter Parr said: "I have spoken to Sam but we haven't made a firm decision yet.

"I will speak with Neil (Henry) and some of our directors about where we are placed in regards to making an offer."

NRL CEO David Gallop said he would determine whether Maitua is deregistered once a club officially tables an offer. "We would want to see what plans they have to ensure Reni doesn't find himself in this position again," he said.