Panthers boss rubbishes claim Jarome Luai signing not a priority

Amid reports Jarome Luai is not a priority signing, Panthers boss Matt Cameron is “pretty confident” a new deal will be done.

NSW Blues Origin player Jarome Luai at Crown Plaza Coogee for camp before game two of this year’s series in Brisbane. Photo: Adam Yip

Panthers chief executive Matt Cameron has denied claims the club was prioritising other player signatures over that of gun five-eighth Jarome Luai.

Penrith powerbrokers recently announced backrower Liam Martin had signed a new contract, while fullback Dylan Edwards will reportedly sign a bumper deal worth $950,000-per-season.

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Meanwhile, Luai is facing a big decision regarding his future in the coming months and could field monster offers worth $1 million-per-season if he hits the open market on November 1.

Speaking in front of Penrith faithful in the Chairman’s Lounge on Friday night, Cameron explained he was “confident” bosses would table a competitive contract for the 26-year-old.

“There were a few reports in the paper the other week that we were actually prioritising other players on top of Jarome, but that’s just clearly not the case,” Cameron said in the speech, as reported by the SMH.

NSW Blues Origin player Jarome Luai at Crown Plaza Coogee for camp before game two of this year’s series in Brisbane. Photo: Adam Yip

“We’re being incredibly respectful to Jarome’s management situation and the time frames that we need to work in and around.

“But again, when we talk about the salary cap and the RLPA and the broadcast deal, there is growing money in the salary cap over the next five years. I’m pretty confident we can get a deal done with Jarome to keep him here.

“He’s grown up here. We talk about connection all the time, and how connected our group is.

“I wanted to know Jarome’s win percentage in a Panthers jersey, and it was above 90 per cent.

“When you think about that, he’s come in as a 16-year-old into a very successful Harold Matthews team, SG Ball team, Under 20s team, reserve grade team and first grade team.”

Panthers CEO Matt Cameron is “pretty confident” Jarome Luai will be re-signed. Photo: News Limited

Luai has been linked with a move to the Bulldogs, linking up with former assistant Cameron Ciraldo and teammates Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton.

Cameron was asked if the club’s star five-eighth was a chance of being poached by Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould.

“I wouldn’t know,” Cameron said.

“And if it was, Jarome’s on contract for the 2024 season so that would be working against the intent of the salary cap rules.”

Originally published as Panthers boss rubbishes claim Jarome Luai signing not a priority