South Sydney speculation holds little interest as Ken Sio gets set for new role with Hull KR

The winger scored 24 tries in 31 games last season during his prolific debut campaign at Rovers after a move from Parramatta Eels.

Such form has alerted Souths’ head coach Michael Maguire who, according to reports in Australia, is thought to fancy Sio for 2017.

Any potential move would involve a transfer fee given the 25-year-old is contracted at KC Lightstream Stadium until the end of 2017.

But, asked about the speculation, Sio said: “There’s nothing in there.

“I haven’t spoken to my manager yet, but we’ll see how we go.

“I’ve got two more years here and I’m not too sure, but if the opportunity comes I’ll talk about it with my partner and see what’s best for us and the little ones.”

For all his success on the wing last term, Sio is set to play full-back this time around.

He played there sporadically in 2016 and admits it is his favoured position.

“I covered there for Jarryd (Hayne) at Parramatta when he went in to Origin camp,” said Sio, about the former Australia full-back who is now making a name for himself in the NFL with San Francisco 49ers.

“They were big shoes to fill in there – he had a big step – but I did my job and it’s part of my job description this year, too. I don’t mind it at all being at the back and getting the ball in my hands a bit more, especially attacking straight away from kicks.

“I did well last year, but part of my goal now is improving on that and having a real impact for Rovers from full-back.”

In a major plus for the sport, Golden Boot winner Johnathan Thurston has pulled out of the NRL All Stars game on February 13 in order for the revered Australia stand-off to focus on North Queensland Cowboys’ showdown with Leeds Rhinos in the World Club Challenge at Headingley eight days later.