Team ... Shane Flanagan (left) and Ricky Stuart at Cronulla training. Photograph: Kelly Rohan / The Daily Telegraph

Speculation linking Flanagan to Souths has been growing this week but Souths management insist Jason Taylor's future at the club is safe.

Asked had he spoken with Souths, Flanagan said: "The last I saw they still had a coach in Jason Taylor. He is still there.

"I haven't spoken to them directly and, as far as I know, they haven't spoken to my manager John Fordham. That's the honest truth.

"It's all rumour at this stage but I would certainly jump at the chance. I'd love to coach there and if there was on offer, I'd run there from the Central Coast (where NSW is in camp).

"But Jason is there at the moment. We have not had any contact."

Souths chief executive Shane Richardson also scoffed at the rumour. "We have approached no one," he said.

Taylor has a solid friendship with Souths co-owner Russell Crowe. Crowe is currently filming in the UK while fellow Souths co-owner Peter Holmes a Court is holidaying in America with his family.

Last week, The Daily Telegraph emailed Crowe asking him about the Souths coaching position.

Crowe emailed back, saying: "I am going to pass on the opportunity of giving a quote."