Gold Coast Titans chief executive Graham Annesley says star fullback Jarryd Hayne has not requested a release following renewed speculation the cross-code star wants out of the Titans.
Hayne is said to want a release from the final year of his NZ$1.3 million Titans contract for personal reasons, but has yet to inform the club of his intentions.
It's the latest twist in his tumultuous stint on the holiday strip after his much-publicised feud with Neil Henry. That stoush ultimately cost the coach his job, sacked with a year remaining on his contract.
The 29-year-old has only been on the Gold Coast for 15 months, after he returned from overseas stints in the NFL and rugby sevens.
He took up an option in his contract earlier this year to extend his stay until the end of 2018, but only after he reportedly flirted with the idea of moving back to Sydney.
It was hoped that the two-time Dally M medallist would refocus and honour the final year of his contract, particularly after new coach Garth Brennan employed two of Hayne's closest allies, former Parramatta staffers Hayden Knowles and Craig Catterick.
However, the former Eel, currently in camp with the Fijian squad for the Rugby League World Cup, apparently wants out.
"We haven't been asked for a release from Jarryd Hayne, so there's nothing I can add to it," Annesley said.
"We haven't seen him since the season ended, he's been on holidays and then Fijian duties. There's been no request for a release, as far as we're concerned he is a Titans contracted player. It's completely blindsided me, the whole story."
It has been a horror year for the Titans. They sacked Henry, finished second-last above only Newcastle on the competition ladder and have had their major sponsor, Aquis, opt not to take up their option on their NZ$1.3 million-per-season deal. The club also remains without an owner as the NRL attempts to get the troubled franchise off their books.
Photo: Getty Images. Caption: The Gold Coast Titans have played down reports that Jarryd Hayne may be on the move again