St George Illawarra have gone on the front foot to dispel rumours star forward Tyson Frizell wants out of the NRL club to join the Sydney Roosters.

Speculation swirled this week that Frizell was unhappy in Wollongong and was keen on linking with the defending premiers.

However, it didn’t take long after their insipid 40-18 loss to Penrith for both Frizell and coach Paul McGregor to quash any notion of a divorce.

“That was the first I’ve heard of it – when it came out (on Thursday), or the day before,” Frizell said.

“I haven’t heard anything from anyone else, been spoken to, or asked for a release. I don’t know if people are trying to shop me around on my behalf.

“From my manager, we don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know where these rumours have come from. They’re just rumours at the moment.”

McGregor revealed Frizell’s manager contacted him directly on Friday morning to appease any concerns that the Kangaroos representative wanted out.

“Tyson’s manager politely rang me this morning and said that couldn’t be further from the truth. He said (that) whenever I am coaching, he’s here,” McGregor said.

“He has another year to run on his contract.

“Me and Tyson have been together for 130 games. I’ve seen him develop from a young man, into a father, into a good, married life.

“And someone who went from being a fringe player now to being the most decorated player in our side, as an Australian player.

“Our relationship goes way back. If you are looking for some infighting there, there’s certainly not one between me and him.”

The comments come after the Dragons dropped their third game in a row following a second-half no-show at Panthers Stadium.

Their latest defeat leaves them four points adrift of the top eight in 14th spot with seven games remaining in the regular season.

Asked if he thought his team could still make the finals, McGregor said: “Mathematically we can, yeah. I still believe that we can.

“But after tonight, there’s a long way to go.

“If it’s down now to winning every game, or six of the next seven… we’re making it hard for ourselves, especially with performances in the second half like that.”

McGregor vowed to make changes for next week’s clash with South Sydney, with Ben Hunt certain to return and skipper Gareth Widdop a possible chance.