The Panthers have up reportedly upped their offer for Jarome Luai to $850,000 per season.
Luai was told by Penrith earlier this month that they were only in a salary cap position to offer him $800,000 beyond and that he was free to look at his option.
But they’ve now tabled a two-year extension until the end of 2026 worth $1.7 million.
The five-eighth, who has just won this third straight premiership, is expected to command more than $1 million per season when he hits the open market on November 1.
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“Jarome is aware of the club’s capacity moving forward,” Cameron told The SMH.
“He will obviously command interest on the open market and we have no problem with him investigating all his options if he needs to after the first of November.”
Panthers legend Mark Geyer said if he were Luai, he’d stay put at Penrith because “sometimes money doesn’t buy happiness… and competitions do.”
MANLY CHASING EX-BLUE
Former NSW forward Nathan Brown looks headed for a fifth NRL club with the Sea Eagles reportedly keen to sign the lock.
Brown played in the 2022 grand final for the Eels before joining the Roosters this year but he played just 10 games.
The 30-year-old and his manager met Manly coach Anthony Seibold on Tuesday.
Seibold has already bolstered his 2024 squad by signing Luke Brooks, Tommy Talau and Aitasi James from the Tigers, plus Jaxson Paulo (Roosters) and Corey Waddell (Bulldogs).
The club has cap space after Sean Keppie (Rabbitohs), Kelma Tuilagi (Eels) and Kaeo Weekes (Raiders) all joined rivals.
The Fainu brothers, Samuela and Latu, also left for the Wests Tigers.
EELS SIGN ANOTHER ARTHUR
Yet another Arthur could feature in the NRL, with Brad’s son Matt reportedly signing an extension that will see him join the Eels’ top 30 squad in years to come.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting the young hooker could follow in his brother Jake’s footsteps and debut in first grade in the famous blue and gold jersey.
Matt plays in the hooker position and made his NSW Cup debut this season, signing a development deal for 2024 and 2025.
He then joins Parramatta’s top 30 in 2026 in a position the club are lacking high-quality talent following the retirement of English veteran Josh Hodgson.
The Eels signed Joey Lussick in a mid-season transfer and also have Brendan Hands on their books, but fans could see Arthur playing out from behind the ruck in years to come.
He was reportedly a surprise omission from this year’s under 19s NSW State of Origin side, but many experts believe he is one of Parramatta’s best up and coming juniors.
England edges past Tonga in tight finish | 00:54
KNIGHTS GUN’S BROTHERLY SACRIFICE
Knights gun Daniel Saifiti made a generous offer to brother Jacob and the club’s powerbrokers, offering to take a pay cut to ensure he signs a new deal.
Newcastle bosses are reportedly deep in discussions to extend both gun centre Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti according to The Daily Telegraph.
The club is facing a salary cap squeeze and Daniel made an offer to ease that pressure and table lucrative deals to both players.
He reportedly suggested taking some of his salary to help the Knights re-sign Jacob, with the brothers hoping to finish their careers together in the Hunter.
Daniel’s current contract is reportedly worth more than $800,000-per-season and he is signed until the end of 2026.
Meanwhile, Jacob’s contract expires at the end of the 2024 season with both players signing their contracts during 2021.
Knights bosses had no choice but to deny Daniel’s selfless gesture, with NRL rules stating players can’t be paid less than what their contract states.
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ROOSTERS’ RETENTION COUPS
The Roosters have reportedly secured the signatures of Nat Butcher and Naufau Whyte, signing the pair to long-term contracts.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting the pair won’t hit the open market come November 1.
Both Butcher and Whyte came off-contract at the end of the 2024 season but will now remain with the Tricolours for the foreseeable future.
Butcher, 26, has played 126 games for the Roosters and has been an integral figure in Trent Robinson’s side.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Whyte played nine games this season and is one of the club’s crop of rising stars alongside Siua Wong and Terrell May.
Winger Junior Pauga has also reporting put pen to paper on a two-year deal to join the club’s top 30 next season.
BULLDOGS’ NEWEST RECRUITMENT DRIVE.
Warriors forward Josh Curran is set to leave the New Zealand-based club after being given permission to negotiate with other teams.
Now a potential suitor has firmed, with the SMH reporting he sat down for a meeting with the Bulldogs on Saturday.
The 24-year-old has a contract with the Warriors until the end of next season but could fall victim to the club’s salary cap pressures.
If he is able to find another club, Curran will be free to walk and could join a host of recruits landing in Belmore.
He mostly started off the bench for the Warriors, averaging 45 minutes a game. He recorded 52 metres and over 21 tackles per game.
Ciraldo is reportedly a fan of Curran, who has the ability to play in multiple positions in the forward pack.
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