In a major move set to shake up the NRL landscape, the Parramatta Eels have officially secured the services of Penrith Panthers forward Luke Garner on a three-year deal reportedly worth over $1 million.
Garner, 28, has been a key figure in the Panthers’ back-to-back premiership runs, contributing both experience and physicality to Penrith’s dominant forward pack. Despite being contracted until the end of 2025, the Panthers recently granted Garner permission to explore options elsewhere — a move largely driven by ongoing salary cap pressures.
Multiple clubs were believed to be in the race for Garner’s signature, but it’s understood the Eels tabled the most competitive offer, both financially and in terms of long-term opportunity.
The deal is seen as a coup for Parramatta, who are in the midst of a roster rebuild following a disappointing 2024 season. Garner’s arrival is expected to bring much-needed grit and leadership to the forward rotation.
This latest departure adds to a growing list of high-profile exits from the Panthers, including Jarome Luai (Tigers), Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs), and James Fisher-Harris (Warriors), all of whom have moved on due to the club’s struggles to retain top-tier talent under the current salary cap system.
The move has reignited debate across the NRL community, with many calling for a review of the cap rules to better support successful clubs in retaining their core players.
Garner is expected to link up with the Eels ahead of the 2026 pre-season.
