Penrith has moved to shut down strong reports suggesting prop Tim Grant was moving to the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The rugby league world was buzzing yesterday with reports that the former NSW Origin prop could be released to South Sydney as early as today.
It followed Grant being dropped to reserve grade over the weekend.
With the rumours gaining momentum this morning, Panthers boss Phil Gould issued a statement just after 10am confirming Grant would not be leaving the club.
“It is my hope and I’m sure Tim’s hope, that he gets to play many more years with the Panthers, and that would be the best result for all concerned,” he said.
Coach Ivan Cleary was asked about dropping Grant in the post-match press conference following Saturday night’s loss to the Eels, but remained coy on the issue.
When asked if Grant had a future at the club, Cleary quickly said: “Of course he has”.
When pushed, he said he did not need to justify his team selections.
Grant has played over 100 first grade games for the Panthers and is a St Marys junior.
