Dane Gagai has admitted he sees his future in the centres but has denied his ambitions could lead to an early exit from his South Sydney NRL contract.
The Rabbitohs on Wednesday hosed down reports that Gagai was restless having been shifted onto the wing following James Roberts' arrival and was agitating for an early exit from Redfern.
The Queensland State of Origin star has 2-1/2 years left on his deal but it was rumoured he could asked for an early release because he was not in his preferred position.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett confirmed Gagai told him he wanted to play centre.
Bennett added he had also received assurances from Gagai that he wanted to stay at Redfern and there had been no approach from his management to leave the club.
"I have spoken to Dane this morning about reports in the media," Bennett said.
"He has refuted the reports and has said he is very happy playing at the Rabbitohs.
"He has reiterated his preferred position is centre, which he has said to me previously, however, he is happy to play on the wing, or in fact any position in which the team needs him to play.
"He is committed to the club, he loves playing here and he has no intention of leaving the club over next few years as per his contract."
Gagai starred for the Maroons in last week's win over NSW in which he scored two tries in a man-of-the-match effort. He has now scored 11 tries in 11 Origin games.
Souths and NSW hooker Damien Cook said he was told by Gagai that he intended to stay.
"We didn't address it all," Cook said.
"He was actually the first person I saw this morning getting out of the car. I asked him straight up anything true? And he said 'Nah, nothing's true'.
"I'm really good mates with him and I take his word for it."
Cook described Gagai as an asset for the Rabbitohs and said he expected him to strike up an important combination with Roberts on the right side in the back-half of the year.
"He's an outstanding winger but he does a great job as well in the centres," Cook said.
"He's a quality player and we're lucky to have him here. Gaigs knows what his role is and this week it will be outside Jimmy the Jet.
"That's going to be a really good combination for us. Adam Doueihi (halfback) will enjoy having those two there and when Sam Burgess comes back it's a pretty lethal right side," Cook said.
