LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
As the Penrith Panthers strive to make history with five consecutive premiership wins, one of their off-contract players has sparked interest from another club for the upcoming season.
Soni Luke, one of nine players on the Panthers' roster without a contract for next season, has seen a decline in his position over the past year, with Luke Sommerton now ahead of him in the dummy-half role. Additionally, promising young player Billy Scott is expected to join the club's Top 30 roster in 2026.
Having played only two first-grade matches in the last two seasons, Luke is unlikely to be offered a new deal by the club and is actively seeking a new opportunity to continue his rugby league career.
After being explored by several overseas teams in the Super League, All Out Rugby League reports that he has attracted interest from the Catalans Dragons, who have identified him as their latest transfer target.
This isn't the first instance of Luke being connected with a move abroad. In 2023, Hull FC showed interest in the seven-time Tongan international but could not persuade him to leave, as he was then a regular member of the squad and the primary backup to Mitch Kenny.
A key player in Penrith's 2022 NSW Cup premiership-winning team, Luke has recorded 26 matches and one try in the NRL, having waited until the age of 26 to make his first-grade debut in Round 7 of the 2022 season.