LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Former NRL player Willie Mason has voiced his opinion on the contract saga surrounding Penrith Panthers star Jarome Luai, warning him against leaving the club.
The Panthers have offered Luai an improved contract of $850,000 for two seasons, which is $50,000 more than what they initially said they could offer due to salary cap constraints.
Despite the fact that Luai could potentially earn over $1 million elsewhere, Mason believes it would be a mistake for him to leave a winning team.
Mason expressed his satisfaction with the Panthers' offer, stating that they are not disrespecting Luai and suggesting that he could potentially earn more through third-party deals.
Mason emphasized the importance of staying with a winning side and the negative impact it can have on a player's morale to go from a successful team to one that only wins a few games a year.
He also pointed out that the perks and opportunities that come with being part of a winning culture, such as endorsements and media attention, may not be available if Luai joins a losing team.
If Luai decides not to accept Penrith's contract extension, he will be able to explore other options from November 1.
A possible indication of his departure came when Luai announced that he had signed with management company Black Money Enterprises, which represents other high-profile players such as Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.
Luai had previously split with his previous management company in July, but there was a clause that prevented him from signing with a new agent for three months.
However, Luai's former company offered to waive the clause if he allows the Panthers to negotiate directly with him and his family.