Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has dismissed claims the membership must select between Dylan Edwards and Jarome Luai, declaring “we’re confident we can keep them both”.
There are fears one of many key backbone members could also be squeezed out when their offers expire on the finish of subsequent season.
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Rivals can negotiate with the pair from November 1, with cashed-up golf equipment capable of supply much more cash than the Panthers given the two-time defending premiers have already locked in stars like Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and James Fisher-Harris on long-term offers.
Picking one or the opposite appears unfair given they’ve each come by way of the system, however the pair will command large provides —probably in extra of $1m a season every — on the open market, with Edwards’ worth doubling over the previous 12 months.
“We’re confident we can keep them both,” Cleary mentioned.
“In saying that, it won’t be without its challenges. ‘Romey’ is a local, Dyl came here as a kid and came through the system. They’re big pieces of connection in terms of how our team works. I’m sure they both want to stay here.
“As for which one you pick, I can’t answer that one. I’d pick them both. We’ll work our way through it.
“I think those guys know that we want them. It’ll work itself out. We haven’t really started talking about it too much. Everyone else is, but we’re just worrying about one game at a time.”
Liam Martin is one other participant who can take a look at his worth on the open market in November, however reviews counsel the consultant back-rower is near signing a brand new deal having inked a one-year extension again in February.
“We’d love him to stay,” Cleary mentioned.
“He’s played all his footy here. He came here as a kid and is developing nicely. (I can’t give an update) not quite at the moment, but we love having him here and we think he’s a really important part of our team in the future.
“We’re pretty confident we’ll sort that one out soon.”
Martin’s long-term future is trying quite a bit clearer than his present scenario with the sting ahead showing to reinjure his hamstring within the win over Newcastle.
It’s a irritating setback for a man who had simply come again from 4 weeks on the sidelines however could possibly be out for a little bit longer after he got here off within the first half towards the Knights.
“I feel sorry for Marto because…it’s probably better if you know what it is that you’ve got. We’ll sort it out,” Cleary mentioned.
“I don’t really know. Sometimes when it’s like that, it can be maybe a neural thing or something that’s come from his back, so we’re looking into that at the moment.
“I think I used the word ‘mystery’, but that’s probably unfair because people know more than I do. We’ll work it out.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
