Penrith Panthers Deputy Chairman and SEN’s Greg Alexander has shut down any rumours that the club would allow Jarome Luai to leave in the final year of his deal if he were to sign with another club.
Luai has positioned himself as the most in-demand free agent in the NRL, with Panthers’ CEO Bryan Fletcher revealing one rival side has offered the star half $1.4 million per season in 2025.
Penrith now finds itself with an uphill battle to retain the services of Luai after public reports indicated the club could only offer him $800k per year.
With the Wests Tigers making becoming the clear frontrunners for Luai and his decision looming, Alexander weighed in on suggestions the club would let him go for the 2024 season.
“(Releasing him in 2024)? Forget it,” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Like forget it, it’s not happening, we went through this with Matt Burton.
“We had every man and his dog chipping in saying, ‘It’s not fair’.
“Well, it is fair, he (Luai) has a contract with Penrith next year.”
SEN’s Andrew Voss debated with Alexander over the matter, bringing up similar situations in NRL history, specifically Greg Inglis after leaving the Melbourne Storm.
Voss: “I’m saying things can happen, I know what you’re saying and I’m leaning your way but I also know in my recent lifetime Greg Inglis was delivered to South Sydney on Christmas Eve.
Alexander: “Yeah but wasn’t that for salary cap reasons, you’re trying to make a story out of 9it) you can’t compare Greg Inglis, his situation, leaving Melbourne to go to Souths, to Jarome Luai.
“Jarome Luai has a contract with Penrith for 2024, he will not be playing for the Tigers, I don’t know what else I have to say,” Alexander added.
Luai’s management has reportedly informed clubs that he wishes to make a decision on his 2025 contract before he is due back at Penrith for preseason training on December 8th.