Spencer Leniu has addressed Sydney Roosters players to make clear he is happy at the NRL club, with the suspended Samoa international frustrated by rumours he wants out.
Leniu found himself at the centre of wide-spreading social media scuttlebutt last month that suggested he was unsettled and wanted to return to Penrith.
Roosters official have insisted there is no merit to the claims and Leniu made a point of reassuring teammates, telling them he remains committed to his contract that runs until 2027.
"He (Leniu) essentially said I am not going anywhere," second-rower Angus Crichton said.
"He said: 'This is where I want to be'.
"I think he was a bit pissed off that people would think we lose a few trial games and he wants out.
"We know the kind of guy he is. We all love Spence and we back him as well."
Leniu's frustration has been added to by the fact he will miss the Roosters' opening two games against Brisbane and Penrith through suspension for a high shot in the pre-season.
He is among more than half of the Roosters' first-choice starting side from 2024 missing for Thursday's clash with the Broncos.
"He's obviously disappointed," Crichton said.
"He's really keen to get back out there, especially among some of the people talking smack about him.
"It's annoying when people talk rubbish. It's just weird that you can make some bullshit up and run with it.
"It's hard. I have been in the same position where people are talking rumours and making stuff up. It can be unsettling and annoying.
"And it's even harder when you can't play and show the boys."
Leniu's absence is likely to mean Naufahu Whyte will start at prop against the Broncos, while Siua Wong is likely to wear No.13 with Victor Radley playing on an edge.
Whyte then has the potential to push for a regular starting spot alongside Lindsay Collins, given Leniu is viewed as something of an impact weapon off the bench.
"He's (Whyte) such a big, strong, physical forward," Roosters captain James Tedesco said.
"He just needs to play with that confidence because when he is running like that, he's bloody hard to stop.
"He's been playing lock and in the front row for the trials, he's been training there throughout the pre-season as well.
"...I remember him three, four years ago coming (here) as an 18-year old with a couple of boys from New Zealand.
"He's a young quiet kid and the way he has developed now into an international front rower is amazing for him. He's just going to keep getting better and better."
