John Sutton is ready to put his State of Origin five-eighth aspirations on hold by moving to the back-row at Souths to accommodate highly-rated playmaker Luke Keary.
Keary was given his first taste of NRL action earlier this season against Newcastle by coach Michael Maguire who's publicly stated he may move Sutton to get the 21-year-old Queenslander into his side.
Sutton has been in fantastic form for the Rabbitohs this year and is credited with helping the storming progress of halfback Adam Reynolds since his debut last year.
The 29-year-old was selected in an extended NSW squad for Origin I this year by coach Laurie Daley but missed out on a bench spot to Josh Reynolds.
His partnership with Reynolds has taken Souths to the top of the ladder and could potentially form the Blues halves combination next year.
But with Souths losing Nathan Peats this week to Parramatta after the 22-year-old became frustrated with a lack of game time behind Issac Luke, the club is keen to ensure Keary doesn't follow suit.
"I am happy to move," Sutton told AAP.
"Luke has been playing really well all year and when he's had to move up to first grade he's not looked out of place."
Keary's form for North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup has been strong and retaining his services with a new contract will be a priority with his current deal expiring at the end of next season.
The Ipswich-born playmaker was included in Mal Meninga's Queensland Emerging Junior Origin squad just three years after switching from rugby where he represented Australian Schoolboys.
"Luke has been killing it for the Bears this year," Sutton said.
"So if Madge (Maguire) wants me to play back row I am more than willing to do that.
"I don't mind playing back-row. I run the ball from five-eighth a lot anyway so I am happy to do the best for the side wherever I am picked."
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