Phil Gould says Cooper Cronk looks increasingly likely to retire after this NRL season, with the Penrith boss emphatically ruling out making a play for the departing Melbourne superstar.
Gould believes Cronk's glittering NRL career might be over at the end of the Storm's 2017 campaign.
"I've said it all along. I don't think he will play - I don't think he should play."
Cronk last month announced he would leave the Storm at the end of the year and move to Sydney to join his fiancee.
But Sydney-based options for the Australian and Queensland halfback appear to be dwindling, with Gould hosing down suggestions the Panthers would be a natural fit for Cronk.
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"Who comes up with this rubbish? Honestly, who comes up with this?" Gould said on his Six Tackles With Gus podcast.
"It's never been discussed; it's never been considered; it's never been suggested.
"Where are Penrith going to get the money to buy Cooper Cronk?"
Speculation has been rife since the 33-year-old's announcement, but the mooted bidding war hasn't ensued with Sydney clubs locking in other playmakers for 2018.
Mitchell Moses will play his first game on Saturday for Parramatta, Kieran Foran has been secured by Canterbury for next season and Josh Reynolds is on his way to the Wests Tigers.
The Sydney Roosters, South Sydney and Manly have settled halves pairings, while Gareth Widdop and Chad Townsend have re-signed at St George Illawarra and Cronulla respectively.
Cronk has also shot down a switch to rugby union.
While speculation had been mounting Penrith were shopping around players to free up salary-cap room for Cronk, Gould said that was absolute rubbish.
"We've handled our development and our recruitment fairly strategically," he said.
"Most of the kids we've got in-house have come through our system.
"I don't think we'll be buying any players for next year at this stage - I don't see any need to."
