THE code-hopping career of Sam Burgess is set to take another stunning twist.

The former NRL star has been linked to a return to South Sydney midway through next season.

Souths have denied approaching England rugby star Burgess to return, but suddenly have money to spend after releasing Glenn Stewart one year early from his contract, while also losing Issac Luke and the retiring Ben Lowe.

Rabbitohs boss John Lee said “no comment’” when approached about the subject at Redfern Oval on Thursday.

Yet the chatter around the club is that Burgess will be back at Souths by next June.

Burgess defected to English rugby last year and has been picked as part of their squad for the World Cup, which starts next week.

But rumours persist that he wants to return to the NRL.

media_camera Sam Burgess is chaired from the field after 2014 NRL Grand Final. Picture Gregg Porteous

EARLY RELEASE

It is understood the Rabbitohs are also happy for Tim Grant to find another club, despite the prop being contracted for a further three seasons, as they clear space in their salary cap.

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Burgess is signed to a multimillion-dollar three-year deal with English club Bath, who paid a release fee to Souths so Burgess could walk out on his NRL contract early.

Theoretically, Souths could do the reverse to get Burgess back.

Burgess could play in the World Cup and see out a season for Bath in the Aviva Premiership, which finishes in May. He could then return in time to meet the June 30 deadline for Souths if the two clubs can agree to terms.

Sources say Burgess is frustrated in rugby, and clearly his involvement and influence in games pales in comparison to his exploits in league. The situation could dramatically change, however, if Burgess excels at the World Cup, so there is no guarantee of his return.

Souths are happy for Burgess to focus on his maiden World Cup, but would happily welcome his return.

Their confidence levels would have been much greater had Burgess missed out on ­England’s 31-man Cup squad.

NO INTEREST IN FARAH

In light of Stewart’s move, Souths again confirmed they are not interested in unwanted Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah.

The Daily Telegraph understands that Farah is more likely to be pursued by the Newcastle Knights.

The NRL would allow Souths to back-end any contract for Burgess so long as the first year of a deal is not registered at a ludicrously low amount.

Stewart has signed a three-year deal with Catalans to play in the English Super League. The agent who handled that deal is Chris Caisley, who also looks after Burgess.

Caisley could not be reached on Thursday.

Burgess has found the adjustment to rugby tough, showing only fleeting moments of his brilliance for Bath and England, which led to his controversial selection for the World Cup squad after just one Test.

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media_camera Sam Burgess of England breaks a tackle from Jared Payne of Ireland.

RUGBY CRITICS

Several England rugby identities have questioned the wisdom of selecting Burgess, and former captain Will Carling said he was not ready.

Burgess responded: “It doesn’t affect me as a player. I believe in myself and the people around me. I understand it’s all part of the process.

“I knew this kind of thing would come around. I was already well prepared for it. As a player I feel ready.”

Unlike successful code-hoppers Folau, Sonny Bill Williams, Brad Thorn and Lote Tuqiri, Burgess has been asked to play in the forwards and backs in rugby