Cronulla appear to have conceded defeat in their quest for the signature of Daly Cherry-Evans.
The representative playmaker is expected to announce his plans for the 2016 NRL season and beyond in the coming days, with Gold Coast and Manly the frontrunners for his services.
The Sea Eagles halfback toured the Sharks home base last week and good mate Ben Barba has played an active role in attempting to lure him to the Shire.
But Sharks captain Paul Gallen appeared anything but confident the club was closing in on one of its biggest recruitment coups in their 48 year history at training on Monday.
"I have no idea, I stay out of that side of things. Now I just worry about captaining the side and football," Gallen said.
"There are a a lot of clubs that would want him.
"He is a great player, he is a good person.
"We will just have to wait and see."
The Sharks have tabled Cherry-Evans a big money offer and Gallen has previously spoken of the active role he has played in recruitment for Cronulla.
Cronulla, who'll open their premiership campaign against Canberra at Remondis Stadium on Sunday, have significantly boosted their roster this season, headed up by the recruitments of Barba and Michael Ennis.
However Gallen said he hadn't had anything to do with attempts to get Cherry-Evans across the line.
"Not this one at all mate. Not at all," he said.
With AAP
Where do you think Daly Cherry-Evans will end up?
