Canterbury coach Des Hasler is adamant Ben Barba has not yet asked for a release from the NRL club amid rumours he is Brisbane-bound in 2014.
The Bulldogs were on Friday again forced to refute suggestion the Dally M medallist - currently sideline with an ankle injury - had formally requested a release from the final two years of his contract.
Barba has been linked with a move to the Broncos, with his ex-partner set to shift back to Queensland with the couple's two children.
The Broncos are believed to be lining up moves for both Barba and Canberra's Anthony Milford, the Raiders rookie also linked with a return to Queensland on compassionate grounds.
A report in The Australian newspaper on Thursday suggested Barba has sought a release - a claim denied by Hasler.
"He hasn't asked for a release, there's a lot of consideration going on due to circumstances," Hasler said.
"I haven't seen one (a release request). If I haven't seen one, he hasn't asked.
"...we'll wait and see what happens, what pans out there."
Barba is not due to return to the field for at least another fortnight after suffering an ankle injury in the round 20 win over Parramatta.
