Luke Brooks is still seen as the man to replace Mitchell Pearce at Newcastle next year despite the Tigers ruling out an early exit for their star halfback.
The Knights' interest in Brooks was first reported by The Daily Telegraph last week, with Pearce's high-profile move to Super League side Catalans imminent.
Although, the Tigers released a statement downplaying suggestions Brooks, who is contracted for two more years at Concord, would be released by the club this off-season.
“Luke Brooks is contracted with Wests Tigers until at least the end of 2023 and, contrary to media speculation, will not be leaving the club," said Tigers' Director of Football Tim Sheens.
“Wests Tigers have been definitive on this matter and will continue to reiterate this against any untrue speculation.
"It is unfair on Luke, his teammates and family, as well as those involved with the club, to raise false conjecture on his future lying away from Wests Tigers when both he and the club are united on delivering success together."
However, according to Channel 7 reporter Michelle Bishop, the Tigers move to deny the rumours surrounding Brooks' future at the club isn't the end of the story.
She told SEN the chances of the halfback joining Adam O'Brien's side next season are still strong.
“Regarding his switch to Newcastle, the drums are beating, they’re getting louder and louder," Bishop said.
“My sources tell me that Brooks could be closer to getting in the car and travelling up the M1 to Newcastle sooner than we all think.
“Bit of a watch this space with Brooks, I’m told money isn’t the issue now, once he moves all of the rest will fall into place.”
While the Tigers have publically shut down talks of Brooks being shown the door, Bishop claims behind the scenes they see new recruit Jackson Hastings as their primary playmaker next season.
Hastings arrives after a successful stint in the UK where he was crowned the 2019 Man of Steel and reached grand finals with Salford and Wigan.
The former Sea Eagles and Roosters halfback was brought to the club to play a roaming lock-type role.
However, Bishop says Tigers officials are now leaning towards playing Hastings in the No. 7 and partnering him up with breakout star Adam Doueihi in the halves next season.
A further factor in the decision to potentially let Brooks leave is it will free up further salary cap space for Michael Maguire, who is eager to bring either Josh Hodgson or Api Koroisau to Concord to play hooker next season.
“The Tigers are confident Jackson Hastings is the man for them and he’ll make the difference,” Bishop added.
“Josh Hodgson or Api Koroisau (are) now very much in the equation to end up at the Tigers, that is my mail.”
The decision to let Brooks leave could be pivotal in the context of head coach Maguire's future, who after narrowly surviving a post-season review following the Tigers' disastrous 2021 campaign is a man under severe pressure going into next season.
Brooks has long been held accountable - perhaps unfairly - for the club's struggles to break a finals drought that now stretches nine seasons.
