Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has made a major move to keep his squad intact, offering 29-year-old five-eighth Jarome Luai a contract extension worth $700,000 through to the end of the 2026 NRL season.
Luai, who is currently off contract at the end of 2025, had earlier been given permission by the club to test the open market in search of a longer-term deal. The decision sparked interest from several rival NRL clubs eager to lure the star playmaker away from the reigning premiers.
However, the Panthers have now officially tabled a two-year extension aimed at keeping Luai at the foot of the mountains — a sign of Cleary’s intent to hold on to the team’s premiership-winning core.
The Samoan international has been a key figure in Penrith’s recent dynasty, forming a formidable halves pairing with Nathan Cleary and playing a crucial role in multiple Grand Final victories.
The $700,000 offer reflects Luai’s importance to the team’s structure and leadership, especially with the Panthers eyeing continued dominance into the second half of the decade.
While Luai has yet to formally respond, club insiders believe the offer could be enough to secure his signature and end any speculation about a potential move.
