Could Liam Martin soon become the next million-dollar player in the NRL?
If the Penrith Panthers seek to keep him, that is likely.
As per reports, Martin has requested a contract worth $1 million annually and wants to finalize a deal by the end of next week, or he'll enter the open market on November 1.
Analysts are divided about Martin's salary demand, with many believing it may jeopardize Penrith's ability to re-sign Nathan Cleary due to the impact on the team's salary cap.
A devoted player for the Panthers, Martin debuted in 2019, amassing 160 appearances, securing four premiership titles, and representing the NSW Blues 15 times in State of Origin.
If the 29-year-old explores free agency, discussions have already started regarding potential new destinations for the forward.
"I reckon someone might give him that. The Wests Tigers have a situation at the moment where Samuela Fainu is a November 1 guy," Brent Read mentioned on NRL 360.
"I'd go and get Liam Martin. I think they should be open to it (paying $1 million). I think he'd be great for that footy club. I think he'd be great for the culture there, I just think he's a good fit for that footy club. It's whether he wants to go there, that's another issue.
"I think for the Tigers, he'd be a more important player for them (than Fainu). Just for their culture, toughness and leadership.