Anthony Mundine may have to return to rugby league on pauper's wages if he wants to play with a premiership contender, with the NRL moving to clarify its salary cap rules in reaction to his prospective comeback.

Clubs began jostling for Mundine's signature within hours of the rugby league star-turned-boxer announcing his desire to return to the NRL - and win a premiership - after a five-year break.

Even an ultimatum from the former world boxing champion that he would only return on his terms failed to slow down the race for his signature and the mounting interest prompted NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert to clarify with clubs the existing rules should they sign the 29-year-old, who has offered to return on match payments.

It's understood Mundine could have his choice of clubs provided he returned on what the NRL considers normal match payments - in the vicinity of $3,000 per game.

However, should he sign a deal with match payments above that, the amounts will be counted under this year's salary cap.

That would limit his options, with most clubs having spent their salary cap this season.

That aside, Mundine's return has several clubs clamouring for his services.

South Sydney and New Zealand Warriors officials confirmed they had made informal approaches to Mundine's manager Khoder Nasser while the Sydney Roosters - who initially said they had no interest in recruiting the former NSW representative - revealed they would now consider bringing him to the club if he was serious about rugby league.

Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan said he had spoken with coach Ricky Stuart regarding the club's position on Mundine.

"If and when he makes a decision to return to rugby league the head coach and the retention committee and the recruitment guys will deal with it then," Canavan said.

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