LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Speculation is swirling around the future of Jarome Luai, with reports suggesting that the talented five-eighth could be on his way out of the Panthers due to comments made by coach Ivan Cleary.
Luai, who is considered one of the hottest prospects in the NRL, has attracted interest from multiple clubs and is rumored to be seeking a million-dollar contract elsewhere.
The Panthers, eager to retain their star player, recently increased their offer to $850,000 per season.
However, Cleary's remarks about Luai's ability to handle the pressure of leading a team on his own have added fuel to the fire.
In response to his coach's comments, Luai fired back, indicating that he is more than capable of taking on the responsibility.
The battle for Luai's signature is now intensifying, with the Bulldogs and Tigers joining the Panthers in the race to secure his services.
Cleary's words may have inadvertently sparked a feeding frenzy for the talented playmaker, as clubs vie for his signature and the opportunity to benefit from his skills on the field.