Parramatta coach Brad Arthur says halfback Chris Sandow will remain at the Eels for the rest of the season after his request for an immediate release to join Super League side Warrington was denied.
Sandow made the request in the hope of joining the English club before the Super League transfer cut-off on July 25.
By granting a request, it's believed the Eels would have to pay out some of the playmaker's lucrative four-year contract which runs until the end of the season and that's something Arthur didn't want the club to do.
The 12th-placed Eels - just one win out of the top eight - also want Sandow firing in the last eight rounds of the season.
"It's hard to release any player at this time of the year," Arthur said.
"I have to do what's best for this team and this club and that's keeping our squad intact and moving forward, we can't be affording to pay players to play at other clubs."
Earlier this week, it was revealed the Eels were still paying superstar Jarryd Hayne $50,000 despite him quitting the club and pursuing his dream to play in the NFL.
Arthur said Sandow has handled the blocking of his release well and is sure he'll aim up against eighth-placed Canterbury at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.
"His attitude is good. He trains well and he's been playing well, he's a competitor and I'm sure that he doesn't want to let his teammates down and I'm sure he'll have that attitude tomorrow night," Arthur said.
Sandow is a strong chance of joining Warrington next season with the Tony Smith-coached side looking for a replacement halfback after losing Richie Myler to Catalans Dragons.
"We've spoken to a number of people on this and that side of the world. He's (Sandow) on the list," Smith told the BBC.
Should Sandow join Warrington, he could potentially play in the halves Newcastle veteran Kurt Gidley, who has signed with the Wolves for next season.
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