The manager of Canberra Raiders youngster Mitch Cornish says he doesn't plan on starting contract extension talks with the club ''until the timing's right''.
The halfback is one of many key Raiders players off contract at the end of next year, but hasn't been sighted since playing his first three career NRL games off the bench from rounds 11 to 13.
Reports have continually linked Canberra to a number of players, the latest disgruntled Manly fullback Brett Stewart, who has reportedly asked the Sea Eagles for a release.
In-form centre Jarrod Croker, Cornish and Country Origin prop Paul Vaughan headline the young talent off contract after next season the Raiders are keen to keep long term.
Cornish's manager Paul Sutton also handles Croker and is yet to initiate discussions with Canberra, but said giving incumbent clubs every possible chance is ''the best way to do business''.
Croker, the NRL's top pointscorer and second leading try-scorer this year, will attract plenty of outside interest should he remain on the open market after November 1, when rivals are allowed to begin negotiating with him.
The 23-year-old Goulburn product was brought into NSW Origin camp as a shadow player before Origin III, and would be in line for an upgraded deal.
Asked if he had received any ''nibbles'' from other clubs regarding Croker, Sutton said: ''With any quality player clubs are going to ask questions, but questions have got to turn into offers.
"It would have to be very good offers for him to leave [because he's a local], there was rumours floating around about rugby and it was all news to me.''
Former Junior Kangaroo Cornish played for NSW Residents before Origin III, and has been biding his time with NSW Cup affiliate Mounties.
The 21-year-old also played under-20 State of Origin with Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks, who has emerged as arguably the game's best young player this year.
"You don't want to start talks unless the timing's right. If he's playing first grade like Brooks game after game, you'd jump in and make the most of it,'' Sutton said.
"He's been in and out getting minutes here and there, it's not the best time.''
Vaughan has been one of Canberra's best players in his second NRL season, and was rewarded with a Country Origin jersey.
In May, the Gungahlin Bulls product said he would ''like to extend my stay at Canberra as long as he can''.
"Darryl [Mather] is my manager and I'll leave all that stuff to him,'' he said.
"Hopefully I get a deal done here and stay as long as possible, I'm not too worried about any rival clubs.''
Meanwhile, veteran Raiders prop David Shillington insisted he will be at the club for the final year of his contract next season, despite reports linking him to the English Super League
The former Australia star has been superb in recent weeks and will continue his push for a Four Nations recall against Souths at Canberra Stadium on Monday night.
"Yeah, it's business as usual for me. I'm on contract,'' he said.
MONDAY
NRL round 20: Canberra Raiders v South Sydney Rabbitohs at Canberra Stadium, 7pm
Tickets available from Ticketek
TV Time: Live on Fox Sports 1
