Hetherington rejects speculation that coach David Furner may not take up job

Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington has denied speculation suggesting that incoming coach David Furner has a get-out clause in his contract which could allow him to remain in the NRL and coach South Sydney as part of a rumoured coaching merry-go-round.

It was reported overnight in Australia that Furner, who has agreed to become Leeds’ coach in 2019, was being eyed up as Souths coach should current boss Anthony Seibold decide against extending his current deal in favour of becoming the next Brisbane coach.

However, Hetherington has described those reports as ‘pure speculation’ – and says there is no get-out clause in Furner’s deal allowing him to stay in Australia.

He said: “I know it’s been widely reported that he’s got a get-out clause, well no there isn’t one.

“It’s all pure speculation. David is committed to coming here, there is no question about that.”