The Bulldogs have moved to shut down rumours they are sounding out banned Sharks coach Shane Flanagan as the successor to Dean Pay beyond the 2020 season.
Despite the fact that Canterbury are trailing at the bottom of the ladder, faith was shown in Pay for another season as the club had a belief the under pressure coach has managed the best to his abilities with their mediocre roster.
It has invited speculation about Canterbury's future plans, with The Sunday Telegraph reporting Flanagan has been approached by an influential board member.
Journalist Paul Kent revealed on Triple M that board member Chris Anderson discussed business with Flanagan over a cup of coffee, however Bulldogs chief executive Andrew Hill denies any such meeting took place.
''I don't know where that's coming from,'' Hill said.
''I've spoken to the chair. There is no football director or no one from the football offices who have spoken to Shane. I can guarantee you no one from the football office or the board has spoken to anyone.
''At no stage has anyone from the club asked about Shane Flanagan coaching at the football club.''
Hill insisted the board were behind Pay and their confidence was shown in the form of a one-year extension.
''We've signed Dean and he is part of the future,'' HIll said.
''..We got in nice and early, we spoke to the coach and we wanted to reassure him.
''...It's not fair to be saying that about any other coach. Dean is our coach, we are very pleased that he is coaching.''
But Kent called Hill out on the decision to offer Pay a short deal.
''I don't know a coach anywhere that would say they were happy with a one-year extension. I'm sure they would all like a two or three year extension which would the dissolve this conversation,'' Kent said.
''..The fact is Dean Pay wanted more then one year, you gave him just one year and that invites the speculation.''
Hill's response triggered an outburst from Kent before he was pulled up by his co-commentators.
''We're really happy with where we are at the moment with the coach,'' Hill said.
Kent fired: ''At the moment sounds dire though.''
