LEEDS Rhinos have dismissed reports in Australia that newly-appointed head coach Dave Furner is set to back out of his move to England.

Furner, who played in Super League for Wigan and Leeds, was appointed as the permanent replacement to Brian McDermott in September and is due to arrive in Leeds in November to take up a three-year contract.

A newspaper report claimed that Furner is poised to exercise an opt-out clause that would free him up to take over at South Sydney, but Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said no such clause exists.

Hetherington said: "I know it's been widely reported that he's got a get-out clause, well no there isn't one.

"It's all pure speculation. David is committed to coming here, there is no question about that."

In quotes posted on the club's website, Hetherington later added: "We are looking forward to Dave arriving at the club and plans are well advanced for next season.

"Dave met with Konrad Hurrell last week to finalise his move to the Rhinos and has been in a constant conversation with myself and Kevin Sinfield regarding other potential targets for next season. He has also been speaking to our conditioning staff about his plans for pre-season.

"We know how highly Dave was thought of at South Sydney Rabbitohs, his achievements there were a key reason why we spoke to him about becoming the Rhinos head coach.

"He is someone who knows our club, the potential here at the Rhinos and he is excited about what we can achieve together."

Meanwhile, Leeds have made former Wigan forward Dom Crosby's move to Headingley permanent after handing him a three-year contract.

The 27-year-old prop joined the Rhinos on loan from Warrington in July and played in seven of their last 10 matches of the season as they secured their Super League status for 2019.