The Sydney Roosters withdrew their offer to Sam Walker after he sought more money on Monday afternoon, near the club's deadline.
Walker was close to finalising an extension, and a press release was reportedly ready to announce it.
Chairman Nick Politis's remarks indicated the club would not reopen talks, a position coach Trent Robinson also conveyed during Channel 7's Rugby League World Cup coverage in Wollongong on Friday.
The Roosters now need a halfback for 2028, or possibly earlier, though they expect Walker to stay until his contract ends.
Tom Dearden was linked with a possible swap to Sydney, reviving rumours that have repeatedly surfaced this year.
Speaking from the Kangaroos camp before Friday's match against the Cook Islands, the Queensland Origin player rejected the speculation.
"Nothing has changed from what I've said in a few interviews now, I'm not going anywhere, I'm at the Cowboys," Dearden told reporters.
He said the November 1 contract speculation was "a bit of a circus" and noted that Millie being in Sydney had fuelled talk.
"We've been very clear that she's coming up to Townsville and none of that's changed. I think you can sort of understand the speculation with Millie being down in Sydney."
Dearden has played 118 games for North Queensland and is contracted long-term; he is likely to start the 2027 season alongside Jake Clifford in Todd Payten's side.