LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The contract saga surrounding Jarome Luai has taken a fresh turn as the Penrith Panthers have made a telling move to try and retain the star player.
Luai had initially been offered a maximum of $800,000 per season due to salary cap restraints, but the Panthers have now upped their offer to $1.7 million over two years.
This new deal would extend Luai's contract until the end of 2026.
However, if he decides not to accept the offer, he will be free to explore other options from November 1.
Last week, Luai signed with management company Black Money Enterprises, which has led to speculation that rival clubs will enter into a bidding war for his services.
Luai had previously split with his former management company, SFX, and under a "90-day termination clause," he cannot sign with a new agent for three months.
However, SFX has offered to waive this clause if Luai allows the Panthers to negotiate directly with him and his family.
The Panthers are facing salary cap constraints after recently extending fullback Dylan Edwards' contract with a new four-year deal reportedly worth $850,000 per year.
Penrith chief Matt Cameron has acknowledged that Luai is aware of the club's salary cap capacity and that the decision ultimately lies with him.
Cameron stated, "Jarome is a three-time premiership player who will obviously command interest on the open market, and the Panthers have no problem with him investigating all his options moving forward."