Penrith's plans for Moses Leota remain uncertain as November 1 approaches and negotiations over his next contract have stalled.
The Panthers are focusing first on captain Nathan Cleary and co-captain Isaah Yeo, whose futures are unresolved.
Yeo's proposed three-year extension is awaiting NRL approval while the salary cap auditor assesses whether the deal's off-field role reflects market value.
Cleary is concentrating on recovery after undergoing two operations following Penrith's preliminary-final loss to Newcastle.
Recent reports put his market value at about $1.7 million a season, potentially sought from Penrith and rival clubs, including the NRL's 19th team, the PNG Chiefs.
The Daily Telegraph reports Leota and Penrith are far from agreeing on a deal beyond his current contract.
His reported 2027 salary is about $750,000. He has tracked his market since June 30 and had permission to speak with clubs for two weeks in July; up to six were interested.
Leota's strongest preference is to end his career at Penrith, his agent Lachlan Orr told The Daily Telegraph.
"If one of those blokes (Cleary or Yeo) don't stay, the Panthers can afford Moses. But if they both stay, it makes it hard," Orr told the publication.
"They (Penrith) won't give me any idea until they know what their two skippers are doing."