The Warriors have confirmed Issac Luke has a get-out clause in his NRL contract if rival clubs dangle better money, but insist they know nothing of an approach from Parramatta.
Veteran hooker Luke is reportedly being pursued by the Eels, who are said to be preparing a two-year contract considerably more lucrative than his modest single season deal in Auckland.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George said he had a verbal agreement with Luke that allowed the Kiwis international to consider rival offers and couldn't rule out granting the 31-year-old a release before the season proper begins next month.
The Warriors snapped up Luke on cut-price contract late last year at a time when his future was clouded by ongoing calf and shoulder concerns.
His decision to undergo a shoulder operation prompted the Newcastle Knights to reportedly lose interest, allowing the Warriors to cheaply snare one of their best performers in 2018.
As a goodwill gesture, George said they agreed with Luke's request to field offers elsewhere but it would have to go through Warriors management.
"We gave him our word we would consider it. It was basically a verbal agreement, that if he was given a great opportunity elsewhere for him and his family, he could bring it forward and discuss it," George told the New Zealand Herald.
Following the off-season exit of halfback Shaun Johnson, the Warriors have the salary cap money to improve Luke's conditions. They may be unwilling to lose another experienced member of their spine.
The club's next option at hooker would be the highly-rated Nathaniel Roache, 22, who missed all of last season following back surgery but is fit enough to line up for the club's trials.
Utility players Jazz Tevaga and Karl Lawton can also be employed at hooker.
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