LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The contract saga surrounding Jarome Luai has taken a curious turn, with an emerging detail involving his connection to Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall.
Luai, a three-time premiership winner with the Panthers, recently hinted at the possibility of leaving the club following comments from coach Ivan Cleary.
Cleary expressed concerns about throwing big money at Luai, stating that he has never been the primary playmaker at Penrith and may not be worth more than $1 million per season.
In response, Luai posted an anime-style image of himself on Instagram with the caption "know your worth" and referenced money multiple times in his post.
This situation could potentially be problematic for the Panthers, as they are reportedly only able to offer Luai a new two-year deal worth $850,000 per season due to salary cap restrictions.
Luai officially entered the open market on November 1, allowing him to speak with other clubs.
However, he remains under contract with Penrith until the end of the 2024 season.
The key factor in this contract saga may lie in Luai's connection to Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall.
Marshall, a former NRL star, has a close relationship with Luai and could play a significant role in determining the player's future.
The extent of Marshall's influence and potential interest from the Tigers remains to be seen, but it adds an intriguing twist to the ongoing negotiations.
As Luai explores his options and weighs his worth in the market, it will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds.
The Panthers will undoubtedly be eager to retain their talented playmaker, but the allure of a potentially higher salary and a new opportunity may be enticing for Luai.
Only time will tell where Luai's future lies and how the involvement of Benji Marshall will impact his decision.