Former rugby league winger Nathan Blacklock has decided to play rugby union close to home and is set to turn out for Southern Districts this weekend.

Blacklock, who quit the NRL's St George Illawarra Dragons and signed with the New South Wales Rugby Union, fielded inquiries from a number of Sydney clubs before settling on Souths.

He is expected to play reserve grade on Saturday and will probably also sit on the bench when the first grade side turns out for the opening match of the Tooheys New Cup against Warringah at Forshaw Park.

"All the clubs who contacted me have been generous and welcoming, but I think the transition to rugby will be easier for me by turning out for Southern Districts," Blacklock said. "They are closest to home and have a good set-up."

"I am hoping for a run in reserve grade and we will see what happens after that. My priorities are really about getting my rugby right first."

"It's easy to get caught up in all the distractions and I don't think that's in my best interests. I'd be more than happy to see how I travel in reserves. There are some very good players at Souths, so I really have to earn my stripes there," the former NRL leading try scorer explained.

Waratahs coach Bob Dwyer was happy with Blacklock's choice of clubs and his approach to the game.

"There are a number of clubs who could offer Nathan the right set-up and the coaching to help him make the adjustment," Dwyer said.

Dwyer said Southern Districts coach John Papahatzis had a good coaching staff and Blacklock would team up with experienced state representatives like Marc Stcherbina, Tim Rapp, Cameron Pither and David Pusey.

Papahatzis said Blacklock's decision was a great boost for the development of the game in southern Sydney.

"He will obviously be a drawcard for rugby down here but our aim will be to help him develop the skills he needs to play at the Super 12 level," Papahatzis said.

Blacklock's first training run with his new club will be on Thursday.