Jarryd Hayne says he is going nowhere, but his options in Sydney already appear limited after a report on Thursday that he is seeking an early release from the Gold Coast Titans to be closer to his daughter next year.
Hayne and Titans CEO Graham Annesley were quick to hose down a News Corp report on Thursday that claimed the ex-NFL player's agent Wayne Beavis was seeking a 2018 return to Sydney for personal reasons.
Only months ago Hayne triggered an option for a $1.2 million 2018 season with the Titans.
South Sydney, Penrith and Newcastle all told AAP they were not interested in the two-time Dally M Medallist.
"(Kalyn) Ponga is going to be our fullback so we are very settled there," Knights coach Nathan Brown told AAP.
Wests Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe is overseas but it's understood Hayne may not be considered an ideal fit for the club.
And Hayne's former club Parramatta were also not interested in his services earlier this year, however CEO Bernie Gurr refused to comment on recruitment when quizzed on Thursday.
In the meantime, Hayne took to social media to dismiss the report.
"I have NOT instructed my manger (sic) to SPEAK to teams in Sydney. @BuzzRothfield #slownewsday" Hayne tweeted.
On World Cup duty for Fiji, Hayne also spoke to reporters at Bati training in Townsville on Thursday.
"If I wanted a move back to Sydney or to any club I would've done it at the start of the year." Hayne denies Titans exit," Nine News Townsville tweeted.
Annesley said he expected Hayne back at pre-season training after his World Cup stint and had not received any release request from the ex-San Francisco 49ers player.
"The situation is pretty simple. Jarryd is contracted to the club until 2018," he told reporters.
"We've not been in any discussion or negotiation with any other club about Jarryd's services.
"There's been no application for Jarryd to be released from the club.
"As far as we are concened once he completes his commitment to Fiji and takes his annual leave he is expected back here for pre-season training."
Hayne is off contract at the end of next season, and as of Tuesday was able to enter in negotiations with other clubs for 2019.
Hayne, 29, has only been on the Gold Coast for 15 months, after he returned from stints in the NFL and Fijian rugby sevens.
His 2017 season ended on a sour note after he had a public falling out with coach Neil Henry, before the veteran mentor was sacked by the club.
