In a dramatic development, Porter yesterday was highly critical of the dual-Group Nine premier for supposedly making a bold bid for the teenager star.

"Everybody (clubs) is in the same boat," Porter said yesterday.

"We're all struggling to keep hold of players.

"It's disappointing when they (Albury) are making approaches to players within the group."

Clearly incensed by the attempted swoop on the hot five-eighth, Porter says the poaching of players from rival Group Nine clubs should not be tolerated, describing it as football cannibalism.

"Nathan is a Turvey Park junior and has come through from the under sevens to the fifteens, and through to first grade," Porter said.

"He's not a disgruntled player (who wants to leave)."

Porter's swipe at Albury brought a swift response from Thunder president Rick O'Connell yesterday.

Speaking to The Daily Advertiser yesterday, O'Connell denied any knowledge of an approach to Rose.

"It's certainly wasn't me, and no one (else) has mentioned it occurring," O'Connell said.

"I do most of our retention."

O'Connell yesterday also headed off suggestions the Thunder wanted Rose as a replacement for two-time premiership hero Willie Heta.

"He (Heta) is signed for next year," O'Connell said.

With Southcity set to move this week to re-sign Rose for 2015 and beyond, Porter made it clear the Bulls had a firm policy in regard to recruiting new talent.

The Bulls president is adamant the Wagga club would never negotiate with a player who was settled at his current club.

"That's my main issue," he said.

"It'd be like us (Southcity) trying to get hold of, say, Daniel Foley from Junee.

"You'd only made an approach if you knew he was disgruntled."

Porter said a return to widespread poaching within Group Nine borders would have a detrimental impact on the sport.

"When you start cannibalising it becomes pretty messy, pretty ordinary," he said.

Amid the poaching allegations, Porter handed the Thunder an accolade for their efforts in lifting the profile of rugby league in the region.

"That's the beauty of it," he said.

"Albury has set a standard and it is now up to other clubs to also get to that standard."

For Porter, the prospect of clubs sniping at each other's players would also have financial concerns, leading to "inflated" prices in the market.

He said "horse trading" within the NRL had forced a rise in the salary cap and led to players being "overpaid".

One of the front runners for the coveted Weissel Medal, Rose will play for Southcity against winless Tumut at Twickenham on Sunday.