Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has angrily denied suggestions disgruntled Brisbane prop Payne Haas could be headed to the Bondi Junction-based club.
Haas on Thursday unsuccessfully sought an immediate release from his contract with Brisbane, sparking almost immediate talk of the NSW State of Origin star joining the Roosters.
But on Friday, Robinson shot down speculation the Roosters were chasing Haas.
"It's just another week with another player being linked to our club," he said.
"It's obviously a dispute for them (Broncos) up there to deal with. Changing focus on to another club or our club, it doesn't need to be brought up because there's nothing to it."
Robinson described rumours of Haas joining his premiership heavyweights as "pie in the sky" and said his frustration was borne from years of similar speculation.
"We're really clear: there's been no discussion. No internal discussions, no external discussions," said the three-times premiership-winning coach.
Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster and the Broncos' emerging cult hero Selwyn Cobbo have also been linked to a move to the Roosters.
"There's been one (rumour) a week for the last three weeks and none of them are true," Robinson said.
"We've had it year on year for many years. There's constant speculation.
"But anybody can get a free ride on the back of talking about the Roosters or divert [attention], which probably happened in the last couple of weeks.
"Payne's situation doesn't really affect our players because they know it's not there.
"But that's our world. People are interested. It will fill a few columns, it will make the news possibly tonight, but it's untrue."
The Broncos released a statement on Thursday afternoon saying they would not grant Haas a release from his contract.
"Payne Haas is contracted to the Brisbane Broncos until the end of the 2024 NRL season. The club will not be entertaining a release," the statement read.
"The club remains in ongoing discussions with Payne's management about what the next phase looks like for him at the Broncos. That includes ongoing dialogue about an extension to his current contract."
AAP/ABC
