Sharks coach John Morris maintains the club is determined to keep Josh Morris despite renewed interest from the Roosters.
The 33-year-old put in a typically professional performance at centre and fullback in Cronulla's 28-16 trial win against Manly at Netstrata Jubilee Oval on Sunday, scoring a try as he underlined his value amid a string of injuries to their outside backs.
Josh Dugan (knee), Matt Moylan (calf) and Bronson Xerri (shoulder) are in doubt for round one, so the Sharks can ill-afford to lose Morris.
Morris has been open about his desire to join the Roosters and finish his career with twin brother Brett but Cronulla have denied the former NSW and Australian centre's wish.
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported the Sharks would be willing to release Morris from the last year of his deal if the premiers provide a substantial transfer fee and only after they get some wounded troops back.
The Roosters are hopeful Morris can plug the gap left by Latrell Mitchell's departure to South Sydney.
Match Highlights: Sharks v Sea Eagles
Speaking after their final trial, the Cronulla coach said there was no update on the experienced campaigner's future while praising his attitude.
"I know they [the Roosters] would be pretty keen obviously, trying to fill that spot there on the left. The same reasons they want him are the same reasons we don't want to let him go," John Morris said.
"He's a quality player and we need him ... He went out there [against Manly] and played well and played 60 minutes for us. We looked a little bit thin out there, we've got no Moylan, no Dugan, no Xerri.
"It's clear that it's a weakness at the moment as far as available outside backs. [Josh] is a very important player to our squad and we hope he continues to rip in for us.
"I think he's shown every time he's taken the field that he only knows one way and that's to rip in."
John Morris said he was unsure whether Moylan and Dugan would be ready for round one but he rated Xerri a better than 50% chance of returning from off-season surgery in time for the Telstra Premiership kick-off.
William Kennedy, who played two NRL games last year, started at fullback and Morris said he could well wear the No.1 jersey against the Rabbitohs on March 14 if the injured trio are ruled out. Josh Morris is another fullback option depending on which, if any, of the players are passed fit.
Meanwhile, Jack Williams took a step towards replacing the retired Paul Gallen at lock having put in a workmanlike display versus the Sea Eagles, setting up his team's first try with a powerful bust.
Billy Magoulias can cover multiple positions including hooker and five-eighth as well as lock and he may land on the bench.
Morris described both men as "10 out of 10 players" in terms of their consistent effort, adding they can be the cornerstones of the club.
"[Williams] was solid, he ran really hard. Jack being Jack, he always finds something in his game he's not happy with," Morris said.
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"He was nice and physical which I love to see. Obviously Gal set the standard with all that physicality and style of play.
"Between Jack and Billy, they've both got the qualities to carry on some of that. I'm really looking forward to them maintaining the toughness and grittiness the Sharks No.13 jersey's had for the last 19 years."
Morris said the Sharks got what they needed from the trials with some fringe players catching his eye in particular.
Prop Toby Rudolf and utility playmaker Connor Tracey gave fantastic accounts of themselves as they battle for interchange places.
Manly coach Des Hasler declined media requests after the match.
