SALFORD coach Ian Watson accused his old boss Tim Sheens of trying to unsettle his side today after Hull KR made a bid to lure stand-off Rob Lui on the eve of the new Super League season.

The Red Devils released a statement today morning confirming the club had rejected an offer from Rovers for Lui, whose role has taken on more importance following the loss of half-backs Michael Dobson and Todd Carney.

The newly promoted Robins made a move for the 27-year-old Australian to partner newcomer Danny McGuire.

But Watson believes the approach could have been a mischievous ploy by Sheens, who was director of rugby at Salford before joining Rovers as head coach.

The Red Devils are under new ownership after a new four-strong consortium completed its takeover from Marwan Koukash earlier this month.

Speaking at the Super League launch, Watson said: “Because of the situation we’ve been in with Marwan and the new trustees, some clubs look at us and think we’re a little bit vulnerable.

“But we’re a club that are not selling anybody. Rob Lui is 100 per cent staying with us. To sell him a week before the season would be absolutely ridiculous.

“It just seems a little bit strange to do it now. They’ve been talking about a new signing for a long time, Hull KR, and to now jump in on the back of us a week before the season, it’s stirring it up a little bit more than anything.

“We’re not selling Rob Lui. He’s not going anywhere.”

Salford accepted a £170,000 bid from Warrington for forward Ben Murdoch-Masila during the close season, but the club have no interest in cashing in on Lui, who is under contract for two more years.

Club director Andrew Rosler said: “Salford Red Devils now rely completely on support from our community and increased support from our fans and sponsors to enable us maintain and strengthen our squad.

“Rob Lui is a key component of our plans going forward and Rob is very happy at Salford.

“We are looking forward to starting the season next weekend against Wigan in front of a bumper crowd at Stadium Way.”