A HSG spokesperson said there were no financial problems facing either club and directed inquiries to a statement on the Knights’ website.

“We’ve not had to do a statement about the Jets because there’s been no story about the Jets,” the spokesperson said. “The information provided about the Knights is relevant to both.”

The report in Sydney's Daily Telegraph said players and staff at the rugby league outfit had not been paid this month’s salary, but the Knights denied the claims.

“Contrary to a report earlier today, the wages have been paid to Newcastle Knights staff and players on time and in the normal course of business,” a statement on the club's website said.

“As per normal business, wages are processed on the 15th of each month, and cleared on the 16th into individual accounts.”

The club’s CEO Matt Gidley described the newspaper report as “an absolute non-issue at the Knights.

“I have yet to field one phone call or enquiry from an employee or player in regards to this matter,” he said.

Last month Jets CEO Robbie Middleby assured fans that the A-League outfit was on a solid financial footing despite growing concerns about owner Nathan Tinkler’s unpaid debts.

Middleby told au.fourfourtwo.com: “We’ve just started the Emerging Jets program and a three-year commitment with Northern NSW (Football).

“We’ve just bought Emile Heskey to the club. Nathan’s commitment to the Jets is there to see. From my point of view and from the Jets point of view and the fans, we’re here for the long run.

“(We’re) here to make a difference for kids in the area, for the parents and for the game, and we’re excited about it.”

At the same time, A-League boss Damien de Bohun also hosed down speculation regarding the future of the Hunter club.

“I'm very confident in what they're doing,” de Bohun said at the time. “There's a lot of speculation about a lot of things in football and in public life.

“From our perspective we've spent a lot of time with Newcastle and what they're doing to build a strong football club is fantastic.”