LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Andrew Johns has delivered a truth bomb to Jarome Luai amidst the Panthers' salary cap squeeze.
The club recently re-signed Liam Martin, a back-rower, and Dylan Edwards, their fullback, who will earn $950,000 per year.
This means Luai, who is expected to command $1 million per season on the open market, may only receive a fraction of that at the Panthers due to salary cap constraints.
The Panthers have faced difficulties in retaining their local junior talents due to the salary cap limitations.
Api Koroisau had to move to the Wests Tigers this year, while Viliame Kikau is now with the Bulldogs and will be joined by Stephen Crichton next year.
In a discussion with Luai, rugby league Immortal Johns questioned whether the five-eighth would prefer a lucrative deal at one of the NRL's lower-ranked clubs or remain at the dominant Panthers on a reduced contract.
However, Johns hinted that Luai would likely only secure a substantial salary at struggling clubs like the Tigers or Bulldogs.