THE Rabbitohs face an uphill battle to retain the services of three of their top forwards in Tom and George Burgess and Damien Cook.

The Daily Telegraph reported the Bulldogs see one or both of the Burgess twins as ideal replacements for David Klemmer, if as expected he joins the Knights.

Meanwhile Cook will be chasing a massive pay increase after his stellar year for club, state and country and has attracted interest from a number of rival clubs.

The Eels, Tigers and Knights are all understood to have expressed interest in signing Cook, who comes off contract at the end of next season.

Cook is set to earn 300,000 next season and the Rabbitohs are looking to give him a well-deserved pay increase, as they aim to lock up the gun rake long term.

The Rabbitohs have two places to fill in their 30 man squad for 2019 and are reportedly close to finalising a deal with club stalwart John Sutton to go around again next season.

With Cook on a modest contract prior to his breakout year in representative footy, holding on to their star No.9 may cost the Rabbitohs one or both of the Burgess twins.

Adding to the intrigue is the appointment of Wayne Bennett as coach for 2020, a deal that could yet be brought forward a year with a straight swap with Anthony Seibold.

Bennett has been a staunch advocate of not paying overs for props and with both the Burgess twins on big money deals, they face being squeezed out as the club prioritises re-signing Cook.

Bennett is also reportedly keen to bring star Tongan international Tevita Pangai Jr to the club in 2020, which would place further strain on the Rabbitohs’ salary cap beyond next season.

The Burgess twins are contracted until the end of 2019, but could potentially be given the opportunity to negotiate with other clubs.

Canterbury also have their sights set on the likes of Martin Taupau, Addin Fonua-Blake and Dylan Napa to replace Klemmer, if their bid for the Burgess twins fails.

The Bulldogs have also reportedly shown an interest in signing unwanted Eels’ star Jarryd Hayne, who is still without a contract for next season.

The first domino that is set to fall depends on Klemmer, who is expected to finalise a move to the Knights in the coming weeks.