SOUTHS SHED PLAYERS

This is the most likely scenario. Souths have a number of star players on heavily back-ended deals. Michael Crocker ($300,000) and Roy Asotasi ($450,000) appear the most likely candidates to get a tap on the shoulder, but both would dig their heels in, knowing they couldn't earn that much elsewhere. Beau Champion and Jamie Simpson have been shopped to Parramatta, who are more interested in another Souths centre, Taioala ''Junior'' Vaivai. Issac Luke's four-year extension is no longer a fait accompli.

INGLIS RETURNS TO STORM

Inglis is still officially contracted to Melbourne for the next two seasons. If the third-party deals negotiated for his stay at Redfern are legitimate then, in theory, they would follow him to the Storm - or any other club. Inglis has a house in Melbourne, and has played all his football there. The Herald reported yesterday that, given an NRL contract kicks in on November 1, the Storm technically owe Inglis $100,000 for the past two months and are withholding a further $200,000 in payments from last season due to the dispute over legal bills. But, the Storm would have to cut lots of talent to fit the cap. Souths tried to register Inglis for $190,000 for this season.

INGLIS TO AFL

Inglis has told those close to him that he'd be prepared to return to Melbourne if the Souths deal goes pearshaped. That makes AFL a legitimate option. Essendon and St Kilda are interested in the Maroons star, with Molly Meldrum facilitating a meeting with the Saints. Fellow Queenslanders Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau have already made the switch.

INGLIS TO PARRAMATTA

Parramatta is the only NRL club with the funds to sign him. The Eels still have the best part of half a million dollars in the kitty, and are desperate for a big-name signing. The fact that former Storm assistant Stephen Kearney recently started at the Eels also works in their favour.

INGLIS TO RUGBY

Cashed-up overseas rugby clubs have previously expressed an interest in Inglis. He would be able to command more money in Europe than in the NRL. The Melbourne Rebels are a potential wildcard.

SOUTHS CHALLENGE THE SALARY CAP ITSELF

The Rabbitohs are unlikely to accept the NRL's latest determination without a fight. The likely first step is to go back to the league and attempt to prove that the third-party deals at the centre of the dispute should be cap exempt. If they have no joy, the last resort is to challenge the legality of the cap itself. It has been suggested that Souths might claim the cap is a restraint of trade. Rabbitohs chairman and legal eagle Nick Pappas could be the man to lead what would be a landmark case.