Cronulla have dismissed reports that fullback Michael Gordon walked out on the NRL club after it refused to release him to join Parramatta.

According to News Corp, Gordon failed to show at Cronulla training after taking advice from the NRL Rugby League Players Association.

The 31-year-old was set to switch camps last week on a long-term deal, however the Sharks scuppered the move at the 11th hour as they intend to keep Gordon until his contract finishes at the end of the season.

But the Sharks said in a statement that Gordon was given leave from training “in order to address some personal matters”.

“His non-attendance at training, which was an informal team activity at a nearby indoor sports centre, was not unexpected by the Cronulla club and coaching staff,” the statement continued.

“Discussions with Michael this afternoon have confirmed that he is embarrassed by reports currently circulating that he has walked out on his contract at our club,” group CEO, Lyall Gorman added.

The Sharks said they were committed to giving Gordon “every possible support to work through these personal matters and it is expected that he will be back in full training with the club early next week”.