19 Mar 2012

Taylor to leave Rabbitohs

5:46 pm on 19 March 2012

South Sydney says it's business as usual despite the Rabbitohs star forward Dave Taylor's shock decision to leave the club at the end of the 2012 National Rugby League season.

The 24-year-old is returning home to Queensland because of family reasons, with the Gold Coast Titans set to confirm his signing later today to a reported four-year deal.

Taylor star pulled his team-mates aside moments after inspiring Souths to their first win of the year, a 40-24 rout of Penrith in which he scored two tries.

The departure of the Queensland Origin star will free up several hundred thousands dollars in Souths' salary cap.

Already there's speculation the Rabbitohs could make a move for either off-contract Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk or Manly's 2011 rookie of the year Daly Cherry-Evans.