The NRL has blocked Sam Burgess’ return to South Sydney according to The Seven Network who reported on Thursday night that even with centre Dylan Walker’s release, the Rabbitohs were still over the salary cap for 2016.

After being released from Bath rugby in England, Burgess agreed to a huge deal with the 2014 champions, upwards of $1million a year.

Out-of-favour Queensland forward Chris McQueen has been shopped around for weeks and has been linked to both the Penrith Panthers and Gold Coast.

It’s expected that McQueen will be let go to fit Burgess back in at Redfern with the Panthers favourites to snap up McQueen.

Walker’s signing at Manly could be announced as early as Friday afternoon.