Penrith have responded to comments made by Storm playmaker Brandon Smith that suggested the Panthers were interested in the hooker's services for the future.
Recently speaking on the YTKR podcast,ย the New Zealand international stated that the Panthers - along with the Tigers and Eels - had emerged as interested suitors, naming the situation surrounding hooker Apisai Koroisau as a potential reason for their advances.
"A few clubs have come up in the last two days to try and offer me," Smith said.
"The Tigers, the Roosters, Penrith had a little dabble because of the Api (Koroisau) thing, the Storm obviously, the Titans and Parra just had a shot."
Given the Panthers are currently holding critical talks with Koroisau, the club have looked to stamp out any suggestion they have shown desires to sign Smith for 2023.
In a statement released by the club on Tuesday, the Panthers 'strongly rejected' Smith's comments linking his name to the foot of the mountains.
"Penrith Panthers wishes to address a specific comment made by Melbourne Storm player Brandon Smith which has received mainstream media coverage," the club statement reads.
"Speaking on a podcast episode, Smith identified Panthers as an NRL club that had expressed interest in acquiring his services during recent contract negotiations.
"The club strongly rejects this assertion."
Smith has already apologised to the Storm for comments made in the same interview, opening up on the club's culture and the prospects of winning a premiership elsewhere.
it was never my intent to disrespect or come across as ungrateful to the club that has done so much for me and my family," Smith wrote in a post to Instagram.
โAnd that goes for myย coaches, members, staff and most of all, my teammates.
โI speak from the heart โ for better or worse sometimes โ and Iโm sorry if anyone was hurt by my words.
โBut at the end of the day they are my words.โ
Melbourne confirmed on Tuesday that Smith will depart the club from 2023, with the 25-year-old tipped to join the Sydney Roosters at the conclusion of next season.
