LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a surprising turn of events, Panthers star Jarome Luai has reportedly signed with management company Black Money Enterprises, much to the dismay of Penrith.
The news of Luai's new deal was announced by the player agency on Instagram, indicating that he may be testing his value on the open market.
This development leaves Penrith powerbrokers with a mere two weeks to try and re-sign Luai before rival clubs are free to make their offers on November 1.
According to Channel 9's Danny Weidler, Luai's move to sign with Black Money Enterprises is a telling sign that he is ready to explore his options.
The Daily Telegraph previously reported that the club was keen on retaining Luai and had expressed their desire to do so in a meeting.
However, it seems that their efforts may have been in vain as Luai has chosen to align himself with a new management company.
The timing of this announcement couldn't be worse for Penrith, as it leaves them in a precarious position with the clock ticking.
With rival clubs now able to make their move, a feeding frenzy is expected to ensue as they compete for Luai's signature.
Penrith will need to act swiftly and decisively if they hope to keep their star player in their ranks.
The uncertainty surrounding Luai's future adds an extra layer of drama to the upcoming contract negotiations.
It remains to be seen whether Penrith can convince him to stay or if he will be lured away by a more enticing offer.
One thing is for certain, the next two weeks will be crucial for both Luai and the Panthers as they navigate this challenging situation.