LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Rugby League fans are eagerly awaiting Jarome Luai's decision regarding his contract with the Penrith Panthers, as it could potentially cost him a whopping $300,000 due to the team's cap squeeze.
Luai, a key player in the Panthers' three-time premiership victories, will become a free agent on November 1, and several rival clubs are already circling him.
The main question on everyone's mind is whether Luai will choose to stay loyal to the Panthers but accept significantly less money than he could potentially earn elsewhere.
According to reports from news.com.au, plenty of clubs in need of talented halves are prepared to make a play for the polarising playmaker.
Penrith has already secured long-term deals with Dylan Edwards, Issah Yeo, and Liam Martin this season.
Additionally, star players like Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o, and Moses Leota have signed contracts that will keep them at the club until at least 2027.
This has put significant pressure on the Panthers' salary cap, potentially limiting their ability to offer Luai a more lucrative deal.
Michael Carayannis, a journalist from The Daily Telegraph, believes that due to the shrinking cap space at Penrith, the club may only be able to offer Luai a contract worth around $800,000 to $850,000 per year.
However, other clubs may be willing to table a much larger offer, potentially exceeding $1 million per year.
Carayannis discussed Luai's situation on SEN, stating, "His situation at Penrith is that he could get $300k more on the open market per year...
He could demand in excess of $1 million a year at another club."
With such a significant financial difference at stake, Luai's decision will not be an easy one.
He must weigh his loyalty to the Panthers against the potential for a higher paycheck elsewhere.
Rugby League enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting his decision, as it could have a significant impact on both Luai's career and the future of the Panthers.