LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In an unexpected twist reminiscent of a nail-biting grand final finish, the Penrith Panthers have reportedly come out swinging in the contract negotiations ring.
Following the departure of James Fisher-Harris, a move that saw a significant chunk of change freed up, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has made a bold play for Queensland powerhouse David Fifita, offering him a lucrative multi-year deal worth a whopping $850,000 per season.
As fans brace themselves for the potential loss of yet another star player, the Panthers find themselves in a rare position of having salary cap room to spare for the 2025 season.
The aftermath of consecutive premiership victories has seen a mass exodus of talent from Penrith, with names like Spencer Leniu, Stephen Crichton, and Jack Cogger all donning different jerseys in recent years.
Sources reveal that Cleary recently met with Fifita, adding fuel to the already burning speculation surrounding the Titans forward's future.
With a deadline looming, Fifita must now weigh up his options and decide whether to make the leap to a new den with the Panthers.
Stay tuned as this high-stakes game of contract chess unfolds in the coming days.