After weeks of uncertainty, Southcity captain-coach Daniel Fitzhenry yesterday slammed the door on McCarthy playing for the Bulls next year.

Fitzhenry said the Weissel Medal-winning star had confirmed he was moving away from Wagga.

"I actually spoke to Kyle yesterday (Tuesday) and he told me he's going up the coast for interviews with some clubs," Fitzhenry said yesterday.

"I've spoken to him a few times and he wants to go."

Formerly regarded as a "career" Southcity player, McCarthy's loss will be the most serious blow to the club in its seven-year history.

The brilliant all-rounder rose to prominence as a fullback, won the Weissel Medal as a hooker and carried Southcity to the grand final this year as halfback.

Like a bolt from the blue, McCarthy has decided to end his association with the club to pursue a contract with a coastal club.

From Wollongong to Woolgoolga, clubs are showing an interest in securing McCarthy, who ranks in the top half-dozen players in Group Nine.

Significantly, the confirmation that McCarthy is walking away from Wagga came days after Southcity clinched its biggest signing since acquiring Fitzhenry.

At 22 years old, Ainscough is a class act from the English Super League, boasting a stylish pedigree with Wigan, Widnes, Castleford and Bradford.

Fast and versatile, Ainscough can play fullback, centre of wing, but Fitzhenry is hedging his bets.

Fitzhenry yesterday admitted he had no firm plan on how best to use Ainscough in the team.

"He'll come out and play few trial games and we'll see where he fits," Fitzhenry said. "I'm not sure (about a position), but he'll have a go at the centres for sure."

Fitzhenry said Southcity was likely to open its 2013 campaign at the $12,000 West Wyalong Knockout on February 22-23.

"I'll ask the boys what they think, but we'll probably go," Fitzhenry said. "The boys seem to enjoy it."

Details of the West Wyalong Knockout were released yesterday, with prizemoney retained at the 2012 level.

The winner of the tournament will collect $8000, the biggest purse for a pre-season bush tournament.

Southcity will train every Thursday through November and December.