THE manager of Kiwi man mountain Sam Kasiano has flatly denied the Bulldogs star is destined to play with St George Illawara next season.

The 135-kilogram enforcer took to twitter on Tuesday to deny persistent rumours of a switch to the Dragons and stated his desire to see out the final year of his Bulldogs contract in 2015.

‘‘Don’t know where all these rumours are coming from but all I know is that I’m proud to be a bulldog next year.thats all thank you!!’’ Kasiano tweeted.

Manager Mario Tartak echoed his client when contacted by the Mercury on Tuesday, but confirmed the Dragons have expressed interest in the Kiwi International when his current contract expires next year.

‘‘The Dragons are very interested in his next contract which is 2016, ‘17 and ‘18 but he’s definitely not making a 2015 switch,’’ Tartak said.

Kasiano was instrumental in the Bulldogs charge to the 2012 grand final, a season in which he won Dally M prop of the year. But he’s battled injury for the past two seasons including an ankle injury that ended his 2014 season in August.

The strong form of starting props James Graham and Aiden Tolman as well as the emergence of young-guns David Klemmer and Tim Browne has led to rumours the Bulldogs were looking to offload Kasiano.

A lack of quality props on the open market would see Kasiano attract huge interest should he choose to test his value with Canberra the Warriors and Cronulla as well as the Dragons all reportedly chasing his signature. Tartak confirmed a number of clubs have expressed interest in the off-contract star beyond 2015.

‘‘[The Dragons] have but so have the Bulldogs and so have three other clubs as well,’’ Tartak said.

‘‘I had a meeting with Des Hasler last Thursday and he wants to keep him for another three years [beyond 2015] so we’re just negotiating at moment,’’ he said.

The Dragons have already added journeyman George Rose and yet to debut pair Rory O’Brien and Rulon Nutira to their 2014 squad in an effort to beef up their forward stocks.

The link to Kasiano comes as the Dragons face an uphill battle to retain star forward Trent Merrin who is seeking an upgraded deal for 2015 and beyond.

Merrin has stated his priority is to remain with his junior club but they will have to pay top dollar with the Blues Origin forward attracting big interest from heavyweight clubs the Roosters - who have money to spend on a quality forward following the departure of Sonny-Bill Williams - and Brisbane who have offloaded big men Ben Hannant, Martin Kennedy and David Hala for next season.

The club’s also been linked to former Warriors prop Russell Packer, currently serving a jail sentence for assault.