The Penrith Panthers are poised to secure the majority of their star players before they reach free agency on November 1.
Key players such as Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Moses Leota, and Brian To'o are set to have their contracts expire at the end of next season. However, the club revealed on Wednesday that hooker Mitch Kenny has signed a new four-year deal.
Earlier in the season, there was concern the Panthers might lose Yeo, Cleary, or Martin. Nevertheless, the mood within the club has significantly improved.
"The Origin boys are the next targets. They want to work through Yeo, Cleary and Liam Martin now that Origin is over," remarked Code Sports' Brent Read on NRL360.
"Panthers are confident that he can convince these guys to stay. They know that they're going to lose some."
Journalist Michael Carayannis added, "It's going to turn heads, but the Panthers are quietly confident. They weren't as confident two months ago, but it's like the narrative there has changed that they're going to get most of these guys done."