A rookie draft is high on the NRL's agenda following the appointment of Shane Richardson as its head of game strategy and development.

Richardson has stepped down as South Sydney chief executive to begin the newly created position in March, with the NRL having identified the introduction of a rookie draft as a possibility in the coming seasons.

On the same day, forward Luke Burgess announced he would leave the Rabbitohs to join up with the Manly Sea Eagles.

The league, in a statement announcing Richardson's appointment, outlined it is "considering the game's options for a rookie draft system" and listed its discussion as a "key priority" for 2015.

A rookie draft would be designed to ensure player talent is equally spread among the clubs and Richardson had backed its introduction during his tenure with the Rabbitohs.

"It's an opportunity for the NRL to have a centrally-funded and controlled development program which benefits everybody across the board," Richardson said about the draft in 2014.

"It's a win-win for everybody and I think it's the only way forward."

The New South Wales Rugby League introduced an internal draft ahead of the 1991 premiership but it lasted just one season after being successfully challenged in court on the basis it was a restraint of trade.

It has remained a controversial issue among clubs, although NRL chief executive Dave Smith has expressed support for its return in the form of a rookie draft.

The NRL's recruitment of Richardson ends his tenure with the Rabbitohs, who he served for over a decade and played a pivotal role in their revival, marked by winning the premiership in 2014, its first top grade title in 43 years.

He will be replaced by John Lee, who begins the post next month.

"This is a new challenge, it's something that excites me, it's something that David (Smith) and myself discussed," Richardson said on Wednesday.

"We talked about it many times, about my thoughts on the game and the way forward with the game."

Richardson reflects on 'very long journey' with Rabbitohs

Richardson, who previously served as chief executive at Penrith and Cronulla, will be fondly remembered by the Rabbitohs, having overseen massive gains in the club's corporate sponsorship and merchandise revenue.

He also helped the Rabbitohs grow its membership base to more than 30,000, allowing him to reflect warmly on his time with the club.

"It was certainly a bit more a challenge than I thought it would be," Richardson said.

"I thought it would take five years of my life and probably six or seven kilos but it's actually taken 10 and a half years and 20 kilos, so it's been a very long journey."

Richardson's departure from the Rabbitohs comes a day after Greg Inglis was appointed captain for the 2015 season.

Lee has experience in sporting administration after serving as an Australian Sports Commissioner and North Queensland Cowboys board member.

He was also head trainer and conditioner of the Sharks in the 1980s, working under the late Jack Gibson, and coached Parramatta to an SG Ball premiership.

Lee has most recently worked as Casinos and Resorts Australasia chief executive.

Burgess to leave for Manly

A dramatic day South Sydney continued with the announcement that forward Burgess will head to Manly for the next two seasons.

Burgess, who played 18 matches in the red and green as the Rabbitohs broke a 43-year premiership drought in 2014, has been granted an early release from the final year of his contract.

"I've had a wonderful time at South Sydney and I'd like to thank them for the wonderful memories over the years," Burgess said.

"I really appreciate them granting me this release.

"I'm really looking forward to the next few seasons at the Sea Eagles and can't wait to get stuck in with the boys."

The decision comes on the heels of Luke's older brother Sam leaving the club at the end of 2014 to play rugby union in England.

Two other Burgess brothers, twins Tom and George, remain at Souths.