Cronulla coach John Morris concedes the Sharks would consider releasing Kyle Flanagan as NRL rivals the Sydney Roosters circle the burgeoning playmaker.
Morris was adamant the the 20-year-old will not depart the Sharks before the June 30 mid-season transfer deadline but is realistic about holding onto him beyond this year.
Flanagan, the son of former Sharks coach Shane, is contracted until the end of 2021 but has been linked with the Roosters as a replacement for retiring champion Cooper Cronk.
Morris said the Sharks had yet to receive a formal approach from the Roosters or Flanagan's management.
However, he admitted he had conversations with Flanagan about his position in the team where it was admitted he was behind Chad Townsend and Shaun Johnson in the pecking order.
"That' s a hard one," Morris said when asked if he would release Flanagan.
"Kyle's shown he belongs at NRL level and I think everyone knows he's going to be a starting half.
"At the moment he's contracted with us for the rest of this year and two more years.
"I would certainly love for Kyle to see that out. But I also know that if opportunities open up that players may want to explore that for their careers.
"He's certainly not going anywhere this year but if the approach comes and it's in front of us, we'll have to talk about it."
Flanagan proved himself a ready-made first-grader in Johnson's absence due to a hamstring injury in recent weeks, taking the Sharks to four wins from five games in rounds eight to 13.
Asked whether the club had discussed his potential departure, Morris said: "Not as yet where he's ready to walk out the door.
"Certainly to the point where (they have discussed where) I see him fitting in, it's quite obvious, Kyle needs to know what his plans are here. He's one of three halves that are signed here.
"We're getting through the season and trying to get as many wins as possible and Kyle has been crucial to that.
"If the formal approach comes from another club, we'll have to make the decision then."
