Canterbury's coach, Cameron Ciraldo, has subtly criticized Jacob Preston's management for discussing contract negotiations publicly.
A week after expressing confidence that Preston would stay at Belmore, Ciraldo faced fresh rumors about discontent surrounding the 24-year-old's future.
In the lead-up to Saturday's match against St George Illawarra at Allianz Stadium, there were reports suggesting Preston was unhappy with the Bulldogs' $1.9 million contract offer through 2028.
Former Canterbury player Reni Maitua called the offer "disrespectful" on Triple M, highlighting Preston's lack of State of Origin experience, Test caps, or playoff victories with the team.
When asked about Maitua's remarks, Ciraldo responded, "We have a really good relationship and we talk every day, and the words you used are the furthest thing from the way he's talking and behaving with us."
He added that it was disappointing for such matters to leak at a critical time, stating, "We just love Jacob as a person; I trust in him and we'll get there in the end."
Ciraldo noted that some of the claims were new to him, emphasizing that they should be handled internally.
He also denied a News Corp report claiming prop Jack Underhill was seeking a release, stating, "He hasn't personally come to me and asked for that, so that's not true."
With Canterbury's finals prospects hanging by a thread, they must secure at least two victories from their final three games against St George Illawarra, Penrith, and Brisbane to remain in top-eight contention.
Ciraldo acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "What I'll say about the Dragons is they're probably one of the most confident teams in the competition now."