Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis has shut down rumours that the club is in discussions with the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs for a player swap between Luke Brooks and Kyle Flanagan.
Reports surfaced that the Tigers were interested in out-of-favour Bulldogs playmaker Flanagan as part of a wider bid to hire Kyle’s father and premiership-winning coach Shane Flanagan as Tigers head coach.
Hagipantelis said the reports of a player swap with the Bulldogs are baseless and that Brooks will see out the remainder of his contract at the Tigers.
“I was bemused over the weekend by the extent of the authoritative reporting on what’s being proposed of Luke (Brooks) and the Bulldogs,” Hagipantelis said on 1170 SEN Breakfast.
“I can confirm that there have been absolutely zero discussions between the Wests Tigers and the Bulldogs in regards to any player swap.
“There have been zero discussions internally with Flanagan, either senior and or junior.
“The only discussions that have been held internally are focused entirely on our performances.”
The Tigers have had a disastrous start to the season and have lost their opening four matches for the first time since 2007.
The team has faced criticism for its on-field and off-field performances and Hagipantelis believes these latest rumours are another attempt to undermine the club and force change.
“I have concerns that this is a particular narrative that is being placed in the public domain by persons who have a particular agenda,” Hagipantelis added.
“As far as the Wests Tigers are concerned, we’re not interested.
“I’m very concerned about the impact it may have on Luke because he hears and reads all this stuff.
“We are absolutely committed and focused on Luke fulfilling his contractual obligations to the Wests Tigers.
“He’s an integral part of our roster.”
The Tigers face the in-form Cronulla Sharks on Sunday in search of their first win of the 2022 season.