NZ Warriors coach Nathan Brown has ruled out a move for Melbourne Storm and Kiwis playmaker Jahrome Hughes.
The halfback is off-contract at the end of the 2021 season and under NRL rules Hughes can field official rival offers for 2022.
The Storm is interested in retaining Hughes, but they face a stern challenge from as many as seven clubs to retain his services.
According to reports, the Warriors were one team interested in signing the 26-year-old, but speaking to Aussie radio station Triple M, Brown shut down any speculation linking Hughes to the club.
"I can actually honestly say we haven't spoken to Jahrome Hughes," says Brown.
"He's been outstanding but we feel very confident in young Chanel Harris-Tavita, he played under 'Mooksy' [Stephen Kearney] roughly around 30 games and Kodi Nikorima had his best year last year too.
"So as it stands, we've got Chanel [Harris-Tavita] on a bit of a longer-term contract and Kodi's got one year to go but with the way those guys played last year we'll hopefully see a lot of growth in them but who knows where people end up.
"But I can honestly say that Jahrome Hughes is not a player we've had any conversation with even though he's an outstanding talent."
The Warriors also have Paul Turner and Sean O'Sullivan as halves cover although the pair have a combined nine games of NRL experience between them.
Brown has begun preparations for the 2021 season and is currently working with the club's New Zealand-based players at Mt Smart Stadium, while assistant coaches Justin Morgan and Craig Hodges are working with the remainder of the squad in Kiama, south of Sydney.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George will meet NRL officials next week to discuss plans for pre-season training in January, although it's likely the team will relocate to Tamworth due to the travel restrictions.
The Warriors have also been linked with controversial Brisbane Broncos prop Matt Lodge.
