Panthers on the clock after Luai’s telling move means feeding frenzy looms

Panthers star Jarome Luai is about to announce he’s signed a new contract — and it’s not what Penrith wants to hear.

PENRITH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 02: Jarome Luai of the Panthers greets fans during the Penrith Panthers NRL Grand Final celebrations at BlueBet Stadium on October 02, 2023 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

Panthers star Jarome Luai is set to announce he will sign with management company Black Money Enterprises.

The player agency announced it had a new deal with Luai in an Instagram post on Wednesday night.

According to Channel 9’s Danny Weidler, it is the surest sign yet he will test his value on the open market.

LATEST: Jarome Luai is about to make an announcement that he will be managed by Black Money Enterprises- that would indicate he will try learn his worth on open market. Penrith will have two weeks clear air to try get deal done @9NewsSyd@NRLonNine

— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) October 18, 2023

Penrith powerbrokers will have two weeks to attempt to re-sign him before rivals are free to table offers on November 1.

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The Daily Telegraph previously reported the star five-eighth has a meeting with club mosses who made their desires to retain his services known.

However, he was also told he was free to look at his options elsewhere, with the Panthers able to offer a maximum of $800,000-per-season.

Luai’s market value could be north of $1.1 million, having won three straight premierships at the foot of the mountain.

“Jarome is aware of the club’s salary cap capacity moving forward,” Penrith chief Matt Cameron said to News Corp.

“Jarome is contracted until the end of 2024 so we don’t see a need to rush these conversations.

“Jarome is a three-time premiership player who will obviously command interest on the open market.”

Jarome Luai of the Panthers greets fans during the Penrith Panthers NRL Grand Final celebrations at BlueBet Stadium on October 02, 2023 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

FORMER BRONCO’S NRL RETURN OFF

Former Broncos halfback Brodie Croft has reportedly knocked back offers to return to the NRL and has signed a $2 million contract with Leeds in the Super League.

That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting the current Salford playmaker had NRL clubs interested in his services. The Rhinos announced his signing on Wednesday.

Croft is set to become one of the Super League’s highest paid players, having won the 2022 Man of Steel award.

The Titans, Wests Tigers and Dragons has reportedly previously enquired about signing Croft who was a crucial player in Salford’s charge to the 2022 finals.

Croft was also reportedly set to sign a bumper nine-year deal to stay with the Red Devils until 2030 but instead was sold for a $300,000 transfer fee to ease financial pressure on the club.

The halfback departed the Broncos after the 2021 season, enduring a tough spell in Red Hill under Anthony Seibold.

However, he has since turned his career around in the Super League and will now be tasked with improving the Rhinos who finished in eighth in 2023.

Originally published as Panthers on the clock after Luai’s telling move means feeding frenzy looms