McQueen move paves way for Burgess

A switch to the Gold Coast Titans for Chris McQueen is set to allow the deal for Sam Burgess with South Sydney to be confirmed by the NRL.

McQueen has sealed a two-year contract with the Titans. Souths have also released Dylan Walker, with the centre expected to join Manly.

Burgess much-publicised return to the NRL with the Rabbitohs from rugby union had been blocked because the club was over the NRL salary cap.

But the departure of the Queensland Origin forward will now pave the way for the England star’s contract to be ratified by the governing body.

“Chris has been a valued member of this team for many years now and has brought a lot to us both on and off the field,” Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire said in a statement.

“He has evolved as a player from being a winger or centre to being a solid forward who managed to gain representative selection as well as playing a key role in our 2014 premiership victory.”

McQueen has made 117 NRL appearances for the Rabbitohs since debuted in 2009. The back-rower has also played six Origin matches for the Maroons.