LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a surprising turn of events, Jarome Luai has hinted at the possibility of leaving the Panthers after his coach, Ivan Cleary, made some eye-opening comments about his future.
Luai's social media move on Thursday raised eyebrows, as he posted an anime-style image of himself with the caption "know your worth" and shared the 50 Cent song 'Hustler's Ambition' from the film 'Get Rich Or Die Tryin'.
This move, coupled with Luai making three references to money, has raised concerns for the Panthers.
Reports suggest that the Panthers can only offer Luai a new two-year deal worth $850,000 per season due to salary cap pressures.
However, as of November 1, Luai is officially a free agent and can negotiate with rival clubs for the 2025 season.
While he is still under contract at Penrith for 2024, if Luai wants to stay at the club beyond that, he will face a significant pay cut.
Rival clubs have the opportunity to offer Luai as much as $1.1 million per season, thereby putting him in a dilemma.
He will have to choose between staying with the Panthers for success and familiarity or opting for a lucrative financial deal elsewhere.
Cleary acknowledged the risky nature of offering such a large sum of money to Luai, highlighting that he has never been the primary playmaker at Penrith and may not warrant a salary of over $1 million per season.
Cleary stated, "If any club wants to offer the money, we're talking, probably the money that he may consider leaving for, it would have to be for that kind of role." The ball is now in Luai's court, and he must weigh his options carefully, taking into account both his financial aspirations and his desire for a significant role in a team.
Only time will tell what decision he ultimately makes and how it will impact his future in the NRL.