Melbourne Storm has dismissed rumours it enlisted the help of News Limited chairman Lachlan Murdoch to retain off-contract halfback Matt Orford.

But Melbourne chief executive Brian Waldron admitted that was all he could clear up over the on-going contract negotiations with the Storm playmaker that look set to drag on for another day.

Speculation was rife that Murdoch would be used as Melbourne's trump card to keep the off-contract No.7 who is also being wooed by a cashed-up South Sydney and favourite Manly.

But Waldron said tongues were wagging after the Storm boss arrived at a News Ltd meeting in Sydney following Murdoch's surprise appearance in the Melbourne dressing sheds at Brisbane on Sunday.

"It's a very nice idea (of enlisting Murdoch's help) but the reality is that News Ltd's involvement with us is pretty obvious but beyond that there is nothing more they can do other than encouraging us to spend our money wisely," Waldron said.

"We wouldn't be asking them to assist us any outside the cap or any other manner.

"What happened was Lachlan was in the (Melbourne) rooms yesterday (after the loss to Brisbane) and I was in Sydney today and he was there at the same time.

"Someone has said something to someone and it has escalated into a myth."

Waldron said he would again speak to Orford's manager George Mimis but did not expect an announcement from the halfback until at least Tuesday.

Mimis said Orford was "reasonably close" to a decision but admitted "there was no timeline".

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