Three gamers have declared they need Jarome Luai’s jersey when the star five-eighth departs for the Wests Tigers in 2025 — and it’s put the Panthers in a captivating place.
Luai and his halves accomplice Nathan Cleary are the important thing a part of the dynasty that’s been constructed at Penrith over the past 4 years. But for the primary time since, nicely, they had been youngsters, Cleary will probably be with out his sidekick come 2025.
The Panthers confronted an identical problem when Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau exited final yr after profitable two premierships with the membership.
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The membership used expertise already on the books to switch Koroisau however went to market to fill the outlet left by Kikau and purchased Luke Garner and Zac Hosking. Although, Scott Sorensen ended up being Kikau’s actual alternative.
The subsequent transfer of the three-peat champions is essential.
Does coach Ivan Cleary use the $850,000-a-season the membership supplied Luai to lure one other big-name five-eighth to the membership? Or does he put his religion within the gamers coming by way of and use that cash to bolster one other place?
foxsports.com.au has damaged down each choices and the gamers that might change Luai.
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The Panthers’ manufacturing line of expertise isn’t any secret and is no doubt an possibility the membership will discover earlier than going to market.
Brad Schneider
He’s been introduced again from the Super League to play the function that Sean O’Sullivan and Jack Cogger did — a ready-made alternative for the Origin interval or to fill in if Nathan Cleary or Luai get injured. What the Panthers do in 2025 may hinge on how Schneider performs in 2024. When requested by foxsports.com.au if he needs the No.6 jersey in 2025 Schneider stated “yeah, 100 per cent.” But he additionally is aware of there’s so much to do earlier than then. “It’s an opportunity, but at the moment I’m only looking to grow as a player, I’ve got a big year ahead first. I’m not looking too far ahead, it’s a long time (until Luai goes) and a lot can happen,” he stated. The 22-year-old performed 12 NRL video games for the Raiders over three seasons earlier than signing with Hull KR, the place he made headlines for kicking matchwinning discipline targets in back-to-back video games. Prior to the UK transfer Schneider was one of many kind playmakers in New South Wales Cup and the Panthers count on him to “flourish” of their extremely profitable season. Although Schneider’s most popular place is halfback, he has no points with donning the No.6 and tweaking his sport to enrich Cleary.
Daine Laurie
He’s performed majority of his first grade footy at fullback however make no mistake Daine Laurie can see himself within the Panthers’ No.6 jersey. Laurie is again the place his NRL profession started after inking a one-year cope with the Panthers and he couldn’t be happier. Laurie has been coaching at fullback, five-eighth and on the wing throughout pre-season however when requested if he’d prefer to play six solely when Luai leaves he stated: “Yeah, we’ll see what happens.” It’s not unfamiliar territory for the 24-year-old given he frolicked at five-eighth with the Tigers final season in each New South Wales Cup and in first grade. And it’s now his most popular place as a result of “you get your hands on the ball first instead of getting it out the back of a block.”
Jack Cole
At 20-years previous and with only one NRL sport below his belt Jack Cole remains to be on the very starting of his profession. The Orange CYMS junior had a breakout season in 2022 that included taking part in within the Under 19s Origin, being named Jersey Flegg Player of the Year and profitable the NSW Cup premiership with the Panthers. Despite nonetheless being eligible for Flegg, Cole established himself as a Cup participant in 2023 taking part in 17 video games switching between centre and five-eighth. He’s tipped to have a shiny future within the NRL and his versatility has seen him be likened to former Panther Matt Burton. Cole didn’t shrink back from declaring his curiosity in Luai’s jersey when requested by foxsports.com.au. “100 per cent. There’s three of us fighting for that spot… it’s really healthy competition at training,” he stated. Cole acknowledged that he and Luai are “different type of players” however when requested what he may deliver to the function if he acquired it, he stated his working sport was his greatest power adopted by his kicking sport then passing sport.
Trent Toelau
He’s the least probably of the bunch however an enormous 2024 may very nicely spring Trent Toelau into the combo. Toelau joined the Panthers in 2021 from the Storm and has needed to bide his time. He was the Storm’s Under 21s Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons however initially struggled to interrupt his method into the Panthers’ NSW Cup facet. He performed 18 video games in 2023 — his most in a season — and completed with 11 attempt assists, 11 linebreak assists and a median of 70 working metres per sport. Toelau, who’s in his mid-20s, was rewarded with a train-and-trial for 2024.
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The plus facet to filling Luai’s spot with a much less established participant is the monetary freedom that offers the Panthers to beef-up different areas of the squad. After all of the membership has misplaced the most effective centres within the sport this yr and misplaced an elite hooker and second-rower the yr earlier than.
Terrell May
He desperately needs to play along with his two siblings and each he and Taylan have already declared they’re keen to go away their respective golf equipment to make it occur. May was within the Panthers’ system however left in 2020 to hitch the Magpies in NSW Cup. He then had stints with Blacktown Workers and North Sydney Bears earlier than inking a Top 30 contract with the Roosters and making his NRL debut in 2022. The 24-year-old is coming off his greatest season so far and his contract is because of expire in November. The Panthers have misplaced Spencer Leniu to the Roosters and though Liam Henry is predicted to interrupt by way of this yr, it’s nonetheless a big loss within the engine room. Taylan informed foxsports.com.au he’d be comfortable to play alongside simply considered one of his brothers — the eldest, Tyrone, is signed to Super League membership Hull KR till the tip of 2025 — and believes Terrell would slot in at Penrith seamlessly.
David Fifita
Yes the Titans star did re-sign in August, however he has participant choices for 2025 and 2026, that means he may simply stroll away to hitch a rival membership subsequent yr. The catch is although, Fifita must make a name on the choice for 2025 by Round 10. The Panthers have carried on simply tremendous with out Kikau, actually Scott Sorensen discovered a house — and thrived — as a beginning second-rower final season. But when a participant as harmful as Fifita turns into accessible nearly each membership will take a look at their funds to see if its doable. The 23-year-old is ready to earn $1 million per season if he stays on the Titans — a determine the Panthers wouldn’t have the ability to match. But what the Panthers do have is the final three premiership trophies on show of their cupboard and are displaying no indicators of slowing down.
Joseph Manu
One of the largest names but to settle his future is Roosters famous person Joseph Manu. The Dragons have an interest and had been reportedly contemplating making a $5 million supply for 4 years which included the chance to play fullback. That’s one thing the Panthers wouldn’t have the ability to supply given Dylan Edwards has earned the best to maintain that No.1 jersey. But there’s a centre spot that wants filling following Crichton’s departure. Taylan May is predicted to get an opportunity to take action but when that plan doesn’t work out, arguably the most effective centre within the sport is offered… for now. The Panthers must transfer shortly and aggressively given it’s extremely unlikely the Roosters would let Manu go simply, particularly when coach Trent Robinson as soon as declared the New Zealand worldwide will probably be a Rooster for all times.
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Bradman Best
The powerhouse centre is coming off his greatest season so far and is in talks to re-sign with the Knights. Like Manu, it’s extremely unlikely Best would go away but when the three-peat champions got here knocking he’d be foolish to not contemplate a transfer. Best put an injury-riddled 2022 marketing campaign behind him to play 25 video games for the Knights final yr and earn a State of Origin debut. Still solely 22-years previous, Best isn’t even near his peak. Now think about him hitting that peak within the Panthers system.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
He’s solely performed 12 NRL video games, however Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has already caught the eye of a number of golf equipment. The 20-year-old made his debut for the Cowboys final season in Round 10 and retained his spot for the rest of the yr. The 190cm, 105kg second-rower is a wrecking ball that has shortly established himself as one of many brightest younger abilities within the sport. If big-money Fifita is a no-go, maybe Finefeuiaki could possibly be value contemplating.
Isaiah Tass
The odd man out in Jack Wighton’s arrival to the Rabbitohs is Isaiah Tass, who could possibly be looking out for a brand new membership quickly. Wighton is predicted to play left centre this yr — the place Tass had discovered a house. The 24-year-old has dismissed any concern over his place within the squad, typically saying he’s comfortable to play any function the crew wants. But if the Panthers need to enhance their centre shares — and will supply Tass a clearer path to taking part in constant first grade — it’s a relationship value exploring. It wouldn’t break the financial institution both.
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The likes of Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran are anticipated to retire, whereas Anthony Milford’s time within the NRL is hanging by a thread, however there’s nonetheless a stack of high quality playmakers coming off contract on the finish of 2024.
Ezra Mam
The Panthers must transfer shortly to have any likelihood with Ezra Mam given he’s at the moment in talks to increase with the Broncos on a four-year deal stated to be value $3 million. While it’s extremely unlikely the reigning Five-eighth of the Year will depart the Broncos — he declared in October that he needs to re-sign — the Panthers have money to spend and a three-peat to tempt Mam with.
Luke Keary
It was assumed by some that Luke Keary would retire on the finish of the season however foxsports.com.au can verify the three-time premiership-winning five-eighth is eager to play on for an additional season. Keary can be the proper stopgap answer for 2025 if the Panthers needed to offer a participant like Jack Cole just a little bit extra time to develop as a five-eighth. Aside from Keary’s severely spectacular resume — three rings and a Clive Churchill Medal, he is without doubt one of the brightest minds within the sport and his management can be a significant coup for Penrith.
Luke Metcalf
There’s going to be a logjam within the halves on the Warriors this season with Luke Metcalf, Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita all vying for the No.6 jersey. Metcalf received 10 of the 12 video games he performed at five-eighth final season however a devastating hamstring damage sidelined him for the finals collection — and opened the door for Martin to reclaim his spot within the facet. Two of the three will discover themselves in reserve grade to start out the season and if Metcalf is one, it could possibly be an opportunity for the Panthers to strike. The 24-year-old is coming off contract and oozes each pace and talent. But with Shaun Johnson anticipated to retire on the finish of this season, the Warriors could transfer to lock him in, that means the Panthers must transfer reasonably shortly. They do have a really compelling pitch able to go although — a chance to hitch the three-peat champions and accomplice Nathan Cleary within the halves.
Toby Sexton
Toby Sexton has lengthy been regarded a future star of the NRL, which is why he inked a cope with the Titans stated to be value $500,000 a yr earlier than he had performed a single sport within the NRL. Sexton was a schoolboys sensation, partnering Sam Walker within the nationwide facet in 2019 and was as soon as thought of the Titans’ long-term No.7. But after falling out favour and spending majority of 2023 in Queensland Cup, Sexton acquired an early launch to hitch the Bulldogs. He had an prompt influence on the facet, scoring three tries and establishing 5 in his eight appearances however is now battling new recruit Drew Hutchison for the halfback function.The 22-year-old has pure capacity and would thrive in a system like Penrith’s. But he’s a standard halfback in that his greatest power is organising and that’s Nathan Cleary’s function.
Tyson Gamble
There’s an fascinating choice battle brewing up in Newcastle with Tyson Gamble, Jackson Hastings and Jack Cogger all pushing for a spot within the halves. Gamble and Hastings struck up a strong mixture final season and steered the Knights to a semi-final. But Cogger has returned to the membership as a premiership-winner after a profitable apprenticeship with the Panthers. Hastings and Cogger are locked in till the tip of 2025 and 2026 respectively however Gamble’s contract expires on the finish of this season. Gamble, 27, has 49 NRL video games below his belt plus years of reserve grade expertise. On paper he will not be the best match, however he definitely has an identical cheeky nature to Luai.
Jake Clifford
Jake Clifford has returned from a Super League stint hungry power his method again into the NRL. Clifford made his debut at 20-years previous for the Cowboys alongside rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston and was thought of a key a part of the membership’s future. But in mid-2021 he was launched to hitch the Knights, the place he performed 25 video games over earlier than signing with Hull FC. Clifford, now 26, has returned to the place it began to offer depth and preserve the strain on Cowboys halves Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend. Clifford’s long-term future is up within the air given his deal is just for 2024. He believes he’s returned to Townsville as a extra mature and assured participant.
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Niwhai Puru
Now could possibly be the time to deliver the extremely regarded Niwhai Puru house from the Sharks. The 21-year-old Windsor Wolves junior was beforehand within the Panthers’ system earlier than signing with the Sharks. He acquired his first actual run of video games in NSW Cup final season with Newtown to complete with 11 attempt assists and 15 linebreak assists in 21 appearances, whereas averaging 80 working metres per sport. He nonetheless has some work to do defensively — Puru had probably the most missed tackles within the competitors — however his expertise is simple. Puru was part of Penrith’s premiership-winning Jersey Flegg facet in 2022 and was anticipated to proceed rising up the ranks till he was launched early from his improvement deal to hitch Cronulla on a two-year deal which sees him be part of the Top 30 this yr.
Ethan Sanders
Ethan Sanders is without doubt one of the most sought-after younger abilities within the sport and his future past this season is but to be confirmed. The Eels locked Sanders in on a improvement deal for this yr after an enormous 2023 season through which the teenage playmaker led the membership to its first SG Ball premiership, steered the Jersey Flegg facet to a finals berth and represented NSW in below 19s Origin. He was additionally named the Eels’ SG Ball Player of the Year and Players’ Player. Under the brand new collective bargaining settlement, gamers not on Top 30 contracts which were developed in a membership’s system can not negotiate with rivals till Round 6 of the season they arrive off contract. That offers the Panthers two months to contemplate whether or not or not they need to make a play for the 19-year-old.
Dion Teaupa
Remember the younger five-eighth that stole the present in a Rabbitohs trial sport final yr? That was Dion Teaupa. The up-and-coming playmaker arrange a attempt after which bagged a double in a blistering 20 minutes to place his title on the map. It was anticipated he’d spend 2023 in Jersey Flegg however as a substitute Teaupa performed 21 video games in NSW Cup — together with the grand remaining and State Championship. He then went on to make his worldwide debut for Tonga and was rewarded with a improvement cope with South Sydney for this season. Teaupa has imaginative and prescient and confidence — identical to Luai — and by the tip of 2024 could have two years of coaching alongside Cody Walker below his belt.
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
