In the race for a million dollars, Panthers powerbroker Transfer Whispers is trying to keep Luai.
Powerbrokers for the Panthers are allegedly open to extending their offer to superstar five-eighth Jarome Luai in the midst of a three-club competition for his services.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Penrith’s management plans to extend their $850,000 offer for a third year. This means that he will end his contract in the same year as Nathan Cleary.
Rugby league chief executive Matt Cameron of Penrith said that the team was pleased to give Luai as much time as he needed to make his choice.
Prior to his return to preseason training on Friday, reports had indicated that Luai would make a decision regarding his future. However, Cameron refuted those rumors.
“We’ve had continuous communication with him. Just last week, he had a conversation with the coach, Ivan Cleary,” Cameron added.
“We’ve been really honest with him about what’s happening, and he’s been completely honest with us as well.
I’m not able to comment on the rumors that he wants to work out his contract before going back to training because they have never come from us.
We’re hopeful that we can work out an agreement with Jarome, as I’ve stated before and will repeat again. Money won’t be the only factor.
Additionally, athletes have a strong history of returning to the team and sacrificing a little bit of their time in order to pursue something truly exceptional.
The announcement coincides with rumors that Luai’s big-money pursuit by the Wests Tigers had cost them.
It indicates that the team has shelved its ambitions to sign Justin Olam in exchange for Shawn Blore.
The Tigers and Olam were reportedly negotiating on a quick move that would have allowed Blore to sign with the Storm, as was made public last month.
