AN unwanted Bulldogs flyer has emerged as a genuine first round bolter for South Sydney as Anthony Seibold prepares to shake up his side.

With the season proper less than two months away, the new Rabbitohs coach has revealed his clever plans for the bench and the changes to his 2018 backline.

In what has ultimately wound up being Michael Maguire’s parting gift to the club, new arrival Richie Kennar is a shock contender to secure a spot on the wing for the Rabbitohs’ season opener against the Warriors in Perth.

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Round 19

Richie Kennar during his time at the Storm. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

Kennar was Maguire’s final signing before he was shown the door, joining the Bunnies from the Bulldogs on a two-year-deal.

But while the paperwork was signed on Maguire’s last day in Redfern, Seibold is no stranger to the 23-year-old.

The coach was serving as an assistant to Craig Bellamy in Melbourne when Kennar made his NRL debut with the Storm in 2015 and while he failed to feature for Canterbury last season, Seibold is tipping big things from the former Australian Schoolboy.

“Richie has had a particularly good pre-season,” Seibold told foxsports.com.au.

“I coached the kid down in the Storm when he played half a dozen games down there.

“He’s someone who has certainly put his hand up to play as a winger in our team.

“We want to see how he goes in the trials but purely from training you could call him a bit of a bolter.”

Kennar played nine top grade games across two seasons before leaving the club and his pre-season efforts shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Blessed with a wealth of exciting young talent in the backline, Seibold is spoiled for choice when it comes to picking his team for round one.

The countless possibilities mean the upcoming trial games against Wigan and St George Illawarra hold even more value.

“They’ve got a bit more competition for spots,” he said.

“Obviously Dane Gagai will play right centre but with the left position we’ve got Rob Jennings, Hymel Hunt and Braidon Burns. There are multiple guys that can play centre.

“We’ve got flexibility in our outside backs. Dane Gagai can play centre, wing or fullback. Alex Johnston can play wing or fullback and Greg (Inglis) is there.

“Campbell Graham’s best position probably is centre even though he’s played on the wing.”

Greg Inglis watches on at South Sydney training. Picture: John Grainger Source: News Corp Australia

While there’s plenty to consider in the backline including Greg Inglis’ best position upon his return from an ACL injury, the bench is set for a change.

Determined to play an 80 minute hooker this year, rather than carry a No.9 on the interchange, Seibold has revealed he will opt for a utility who can cover multiple positions.

While Tyrell Fuimaono could wind up starting in the backrow if his trial form warrants it, it appears he and Adam Doueihi will battle for the No.14.

“With the HIA rules, it’s really important you’ve got one person on the bench who has good flexibility in the positions they can play,” Seibold said.

“Tyrell has played backrow and centre at first grade.

“Adam played centre in the World Cup and did a really good job playing six in reserve grade last year as well as fullback.

Adam Doueihi in action for Lebanon during the 2017 RLWC. Source: Getty Images

“With the HIA, you see the amount of times a centre, winger or fullback cops a bump, you need some flexibility on the bench. In an ideal world we’re looking to play one hooker so there’s competition for spots there and for our team we’d like to have someone with versatility play there.

“We’ll have some candidates put their hand up over the pre-season.”