Isaah Yeo has clarified that he has not yet started contract discussions with Penrith, contrasting recent claims that negotiations were in progress.
The captain, who has led the team to four premiership victories, is under contract until the conclusion of the 2027 season. If a new agreement with the Panthers isn't reached by November 1, he will be free to explore options with other clubs.
"No, not yet," Yeo responded when asked if he had initiated talks with Penrith.
"I touched on it at the start of the year. I think I assumed everybody would go to November 1. My perfect world would be staying at Penrith. There was nothing that was going to happen over the Origin period."
Throughout his NRL career, the veteran has remained loyal to the Panthers, contributing to 281 first-grade matches and playing a key role in their recent success.
When questioned about rumors of ongoing contract discussions behind the scenes, he indicated that he had not yet been part of those conversations.
"I'd love conversations to maybe start now, but that is news to me.
"There might be things happening behind the scenes that I'm not aware of."
As Penrith navigates crucial retention decisions over the coming year, Yeo's future is one of several important matters requiring attention.