Cronulla coach John Morris has dismissed reports that pivot Kyle Flanagan is set to join the Sydney Roosters and says the rookie will remain an integral cog in the Sharks machine when Shaun Johnson returns.
Flanagan, 20, has been linked to an immediate switch to the Roosters despite being contracted to Cronulla until 2021.
Sydney reportedly want to land Flanagan before the June 30 deadline so he can partner Cooper Cronk in the halves while Luke Keary recovers from concussion for at least another month.
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Flanagan would then become the leading contender to succeed Cronk as the club's No.7 when the legend retires after this season.
But if the Sharks junior is about to make a move, Morris has been kept completely in the dark.
"I've had no official approach from anyone. And as far as I can see, that's just been all speculation," Morris said on Wednesday.
"I'm not really going to comment on that because I've had no approach, and all I can say is that Kyle's here on a three-year contract and is a huge part of this team – as you've seen with his performances and what he's done for the club.
"No one's approached me about it, I'm a bit shocked that it's been getting the run it has in the media.
"He's a valued member of this team and we love what he's doing for us."
Given an extended run in the NRL for the first time over the past five weeks with Johnson struck down by a hamstring injury, Flanagan's composure has been impressive.
And Morris doesn't plan to demote the rising playmaker straight back to reserve grade upon Johnson's comeback, which could come against Canberra on Thursday night.
If Johnson is healthy, Flanagan may fill the utility role on the interchange bench versus the Raiders.
"It's a hard decision. Kyle's done a real good job, he's come in and he's allowed us to get some real good wins and he's played some real good footy for us," Morris said.
"We'll see what happens and how we get Shaun into the team if he's fit."
Morris described having Chad Townsend, Johnson and Flanagan vying for starting selection as "a good headache".
He believes an extra top-line playmaking option is necessary for success in the modern era.
"Most rosters have three good halves in their squad," Morris said.
" ... [Flanagan is] signed here for another two years. He's been a great player who's come through our system and he's a very important part of our team."
Speaking to Sporting News earlier in the year, Flanagan declared his desire to carve a legacy at the Sharks.
On another note, Morris said the club is confident of striking a new deal with boom prop Braden Hamlin-Uele in the coming days.
Hamlin-Uele, 24, has hardly set a foot wrong since Morris promoted him into first grade in round five, proving his worth to Sharks officials.
"Hopefully we've got some good news on Braden. We're just working through that now," Morris said.
"Again a player of immense potential [who] has really gone to another level this year.
"So on the back of Jack Williams extending for three years, we're trying to get Braden over the line and hopefully that's close to getting done."