Panthers coach Ivan Cleary insists there’s “not much happening” in Penrith’s bid to re-sign Jarome Luai, however he stays very assured that they will type one thing out earlier than the playmaker turns into a free agent on November 1.
Luai’s future has been one of many largest speaking factors on the foot of the mountains with rival golf equipment in a position to negotiate with him if a brand new deal isn’t struck earlier than the October 31 deadline.
The premiership-winning five-eighth nonetheless has one other yr to run on his contract however a cut up along with his administration group sparked a 90-day non-compete clause that may have made it tough for the Panthers to work on a brand new deal.
It has since emerged that the clause may be waived if the Panthers deal instantly with Luai and his household, and Cleary is assured the membership can supply him a extremely aggressive deal to persuade him to remain.
Watch each sport of each spherical of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. Join now and begin streaming immediately >
“I just feel like we can offer Jarome not just a financially good offer but something that works for him as well as for his family, where he’s from, the way we play and his role in that,” he mentioned.
“It sounds like a pretty good deal to me.
“I feel like Jarome belongs here. I feel we’re good for him and he’s good for us. We’ve just got to go to work on getting that done.
“I’d rather it sooner than later, but it’s also a big thing in his career and he’s got to make sure that he’s happy with it and us the same.
“I’m honestly not that worried about it. I’m very confident.”
Rival golf equipment may supply Luai in extra of $1m to lure him away from Penrith with a proposal for him to be the chief playmaker after he helped information Samoa to the World Cup ultimate final yr.
The five-eighth has been in terrific type this season, and whereas some individuals have questioned his fiery nature on the sphere, his coach says that emotion is without doubt one of the issues that makes him so particular.
“Jarome is an outstanding player. He’s got a bit of an X-factor about him with the way he plays,” Cleary mentioned.
“The biggest thing he does for our team is he connects other people and other players and brings a certain energy that’s unique and authentic. He loves his mates and playing footy, and it really works well with our group.
“That’s part of building a team because they can’t all be the same. Nathan and Jarome, you couldn’t get two more different guys, but they work in harmony and are really good together.”
Luai (sickness) missed final week’s win over Manly however is an efficient likelihood of returning this week, whereas Cleary has additionally given the inexperienced gentle for Mitch Kenny to face the Titans.
Spencer Leniu can also be wanting good, whereas Izack Tago stays doubtful.
“He looks better. It’s the first time I’ve seen him for a week or so,” Cleary replied when requested about Luai’s well being.
“He’s recovering still, so we’ll monitor him throughout the week.
“I don’t know (if he’ll play this week). He was pretty sick last week but he’s on the mend.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
