Liam Martin, a key forward for the Penrith Panthers and NSW Blues, has stated that the club must offer a salary they likely cannot afford if they wish to retain him beyond 2027.
Discussions are expected to proceed this week, but time is running out for the Panthers to secure his commitment before November 1.
The possibility of Martin entering free agency is looking more likely, which means he could join Brian To'o in leaving the club after 2027.
The Panthers face a challenging reality as they may need to release some players at the end of next season to maintain their competitive lineup.
This strategy has served them well during their successful run, but losing any of their top players, including Martin, would be difficult, especially with To'o confirming his exit and ongoing speculation about Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo.
As Penrith's salary cap becomes increasingly strained, several teams may pursue Martin starting November 1.