But Kiwis coach and Storm assistant Stephen Kearney has ruled himself out of contention if Taylor is sacked, as expected.

Battling to save his career at Redfern, Taylor has until 5pm Tuesday to tell the club's board of directors why his $250,000 contract should not be torn up.

The Souths coach was issued with a breach of contract notice on Thursday after chief executive Shane Richardson concluded his investigation into the Rabbitohs' end-of-season antics in Surry Hills.

Kearney has ruled himself out of the running if Taylor is axed, while fellow Melbourne assistant Michael Maguire is believed to be close to signing with Wigan in the UK.

"Regardless of the current circumstances at South Sydney, I want to make it clear that I am not interested in any job that may or may not become available at the club,'' Kearney said.

"I am committed to Melbourne Storm at least until the end of 2010 and that, along with the New Zealand coaching role, is where I will focus all my energies.''

The rest of the contenders include Brown, Folkes, Murray and Flanagan, while football director John Lang is not expected to covet the top job.