Storm super star Greg Inglis refused to answer questions about his probable multi-year signing with the Brisbane Broncos after Saturday's 13-6 loss to the Warriors in Auckland.
The 23-year-old bolted from a waiting media contingent, then, when asked by Sportal if he inked a deal at Brisbane Inglis replied 'I'm only signing cards at the moment' while surrounded by a swarm of fans at Mt Smart Stadium.
Inglis ignored all further probes to query his future.
The Storm may have to shed up to 10 players for next year after it was revealed this week they breached the salary cap by $3.1 million over the last five years.
The Queensland and Australian centre has a house in Brisbane and his fiancée is employed in the Sunshine State.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy was more forthcoming in his answers.
"I don't know anything about that," Bellamy quipped.
"Perhaps it's just another rumour. It's the first we heard of it today."
Rumours the embattled club could boycott the Warriors match and possibly the rest of the season had been quite amusing, Bellamy said. But the prospect Inglis was leaving was not a joke.
"I don't see the Greg rumour as funny. It clouds things," Bellamy said.
"Until we know it's happened and we know it's in writing there's not much to say. There's so many things flying around that aren't true. They're just that. Rumours.
"We weren't supposed to be coming over here on Friday. We were meant to be pulling out of this game and the competition. We turned up and we're going to turn up again next week."
Dejected Storm captain Cameron Smith also gave little away, but said every player was feeling the intense scrutiny that continues to surround the saga.
"We don't really know what's happening," Smith said. "When some news breaks, we get told.
"We've had to go through three months of drama. It's taken its toll. We're out there to win whether we get two points or not.
"We've got plenty of guys who are unsure of their futures. Some are off contact. It's not advantageous for those people to go out and play like bums. We want to play as best we can and finish the season off on the right note."
On Melbourne's third straight defeat - its worst run for eight years - Smith said the Warriors defence was too tough to crack.
"At 12 points down people may think we should give up because it doesn't matter, but it does mater. Your pride for your club and teammates matters. There's disappointment in the sheds because when you put in that much effort during the week, fly over to New Zealand, face a tough side and come up short it's pretty hard."
Bellamy said arriving the night before the game 'wasn't the ideal preparation', while also paying tribute to the Warriors' staunch defence.
"It's been a big week. We can say it doesn't affect us - but we know it does," the coach said.
"That shouldn't take away from the Warriors. They've been in great form the last month and they showed that again tonight."