Ready to talk ... South Sydney Rabbitohs captain Roy Asotasi. Photograph: Rohan Kelly / The Daily Telegraph

Once a dead-end for careers, the revitalised Rabbitohs are poised to pull off a major coup by keeping one of the NRL's most inspirational players through to 2013.

Rabbitohs boss Shane Richardson last night labelled Asotasi a modern-day great before confirming his intention to sign the Kiwi prop for life.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Asotasi, 27, will meet South officials next week to discuss a two-year extension that will see the Rabbitohs captain finish his career at Redfern. Long-time manager Mark Rowan said yesterday his star client was happy to remain a Rabbitoh.

"He loves it at Souths. They have initiated talks to lock him up beyond 2011 and we are more than happy to talk," Rowan said.

"I think the club has been great for him and he has been great for the club. I don't think they want to give him the chance to look elsewhere and we will talk. He is really enjoying his time there."

Asotasi was the first big-name player signed by the new-look club in 2007 on a reported $450,000 a year from the Bulldogs.

"It was the start of a bit of a revelation for the club," Richardson said. "We made him captain at Souths and he has done a fantastic job. He has just gotten better and better at it and he is now not just a great football player, but a good speaker and ambassador.

"We want to extend his contract. We are just working out how we are going to do it. Roy has been really good for us and has gone on to captain his country from Souths.

"He is a great leader and has been such a positive for the club."

Already locked up until the end of 2011, a new deal would prevent other clubs from making a play for the 105kg prop for 2012.

"As long as I am at Souths, I want Roy here with me," Richardson said. "We think he is a major part of our club."

Asotasi will lead his team out against his old club the Bulldogs on Monday night in an Easter blockbuster at ANZ Stadium.