Wednesday 24 October 2018 15:45, UK
Leeds Rhinos have denied reports in Australia that incoming head coach Dave Furner will not be taking up the role.
Former Wigan and Leeds player Furner was an assistant-coach at NRL side South Sydney and with speculation growing over whether current boss Anthony Seibold will remain at the club beyond the end of his current contract, Furner has been linked with a return to Souths as head coach.
Leeds parted company with Brian McDermott in July following a run of poor form that led them having to come through the Super League Qualifiers, with former Canberra Raiders coach Furner confirmed as his replacement on a three-year contract in September.
But with a possible change of heart from Furner having been reported in the Australian media ahead of him officially taking up the role in November, Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington has insisted there is no get-out clause in his contract that would allow him to pull out of the move to Emerald Headingley.
Hetherington said: "I know it's been widely reported that he's got a get-out clause, well no there isn't one.
"It's all pure speculation. David is committed to coming here, there is no question about that."
In quotes posted later on the club's website, Hetherington added: "We are looking forward to Dave arriving at the club and plans are well advanced for next season.
"Dave met with Konrad Hurrell last week to finalise his move to the Rhinos and has been in a constant conversation with myself and Kevin Sinfield regarding other potential targets for next season. He has also been speaking to our conditioning staff about his plans for pre-season.
"We know how highly Dave was thought of at South Sydney Rabbitohs, his achievements there were a key reason why we spoke to him about becoming the Rhinos head coach.
"He is someone who knows our club, the potential here at the Rhinos and he is excited about what we can achieve together."
