Panthers fans cop $1.2 million reality check amid hopes of Jarome Luai's return to NRL club
The Wests Tigers are paying Jarome Luai an eye-opening amount.
Panthers fans may have got excited when learning Jarome Luai reportedly has three 'player options' in his $ 6 million contract with the Tigers, but it appears unlikely he'll be returning to Penrith anytime soon. NRL fans were left stunned last week when it was reported Luai could leave new club the Wests Tigers after just two years because the final three years of his deal are 'player options'.
The clause was reportedly included in his contract to get him over the line and join the Tigers with the five-eighth leaving a Penrith team that has created an NRL dynasty. The reports Luai could be available to re-join the Panthers sooner rather than later left some fans excited, with the Tigers claiming three-straight wooden spoons.
Luai will probably find footy harder at the Wests Tigers as they look to rebuild their club after a horror run in recent years. However, Penrith-based reporter Peter Lang has suggested it is extremely unlikely Luai will be able to return to the Panthers - even if he was seeking a release - considering the salary cap constraints the club face.
Lang attempted to quell the excitement about a potential return with Luai having not even played a single game for the Tigers, predicting the five-eighth will relish the challenge. "A lot of Panthers supporters have renewed hope that Jarome Luai will return to Penrith due to a clause in his contract which will allow him to leave the Tigers after two years if he wants to," Lang wrote on social media. "My personal opinion is that Luai will never return to the Panthers...he's not a quitter."
And after explaining Luai's determination to prove himself at the Tigers should be enough for him to see out his deal, Lang also explained the Panthers' salary cap situation would make it hard to bring him back. "Penrith won't be able to accomodate his wage under the salary cap," Lang continued. "The club has its salary cap structured for the next five years and a $1 million plus for a five-eighth is not in the plans. Of course anything can happen in the crazy world of rugby league but it's not likely. Just my thoughts."
A lot of Panthers supporters have renewed hope that Jarome Luai will return to Penrith due to a clause in his contract which will allow him to leave the Tigers after two years if he wants to.
My personal opinion is that Luai will never return to the Panthers.
One, he’s not a… pic.twitter.com/ynW79B7gAm— Peter Lang (@PeterVLang) December 7, 2024
The Samoan international will make $1.2 million per season at Wests, and the Panthers are unlikely to be able to match that number if Luai was seeking a similar deal. This is despite the NRL's broadcast deal being due for renewal in 2027, meaning teams will theoretically get more money in their salary caps when a new agreement is signed.
The Panthers have also just signed young talent Blaize Talagi after his switch from the Parramatta Eels. The new recruit has been touted as a possible long-term five-eighth for the club.
Penrith Panthers losing big name stars
While the Panthers have dominated with four premierships in recent years, they have also done it having lost some of their big name players. The likes of Luai, Stephen Crichton, Api Koroisau and Matt Burton have all departed for rival clubs having chased bigger offers elsewhere.
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Penrith have not been able to retain their superstars when their stock rises with other clubs swooping in with more salary cap space. Luai is the best example with the State of Origin five-eighth accepting a whopping $6 million contract at the Tigers. The five-eighth previously admitted he had to put his family first in the deal, which will see him the highest-paid player at the club.
His pulling power at the Tigers is already working with Panthers teammate Sunia Turuva joining him next year. International teammate Terrell May also signed with the Tigers having been allowed to look for a new contract at the Roosters.
Luai is set to take the No.7 jersey at the Tigers having played plenty of halfback this year when Nathan Cleary was injured. Many feel Luai's combination with young five-eighth Lachlan Galvin could be enough to see the Tigers challenge for the top eight in 2025.