THERE is “nothing in” talk of Ben Murdoch-Masila turning his back on Wolves to return to Australia, chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick says.

The powerhouse second-rower, whose impressive performances for Salford Red Devils earned him a place in the 2017 Super League Dream Team, signed a three-year deal at The Halliwell Jones Stadium last month.

The Wire paid a transfer fee of £175,000 to secure the 26-year-old’s services, but comments in the Australian media this week prompted speculation as to whether he would ever be seen in primrose and blue.

Mario Tarak, the Tongan international’s manager, hinted his client would be interested in an “astronomical” offer to return to the NRL, where he has previously played for Wests Tigers and Penrith Panthers.

However, Fitzpatrick moved to dismiss any rumours of a u-turn from The Wire’s new signing.

“Ben Murdoch-Masila has a three year contract with us,” he said.

“We’re in constant dialogue with him and he’s really excited about the move and coming over to us.

“There’s nothing in the talk of the NRL. We’re really looking forward to him arriving.

“If Tonga get beaten at the weekend, we anticipate Ben joining us around December 18.”