Locke established himself as one of the game's best fullbacks during a five-year stint at the Warriors in which he earned representative selection for his native New Zealand on eight occasions. However, the 27-year-old has been unable to rediscover his best form after parting with the club to continue his career with English clubs Salford and Wakefield.

Locke played only five games for the Wildcats due to struggles with injury and a range of personal issues, including depression. He was poised to switch codes to join the Greater Sydney Rams in the National Rugby Championship, but opted out to give himself more time to rehabilitate a shoulder injury.

Maguire, looking to bolster his outside back stocks, met with Locke during his team's upset away win against the Warriors over the weekend. The pair discussed the progress Locke had made on and off the field in recent times and whether there could be an opportunity at the Rabbitohs next season. If one exists it will likely take the form of a train-and-trial contract, which would give Locke an opportunity to impress over the preseason.

St George Illawarra have also expressed an interest in Locke who, if fit, could be a handy addition to a side struggling to produce points.

Locke's manager, former Melbourne, NSW and Australian pivot Scott Hill, believes his best football is still ahead of him.

"He's done a lot of personal work in the last six months," Hill said.

"He's recovered from his shoulder reco and worked a lot on himself personally, who he is. He's admitted he has made mistakes, he hasn't had the best upbringing and he's been through a lot of tough times, like depression.

"No one has really given him any guidance and support to make smarter choices, it's hard to make smarter choices when you don't know how to. That's been my role, to give him some support and to help him choose the right direction for himself, his wife and his little boy."