Phil Gouldhe says he doesn’t see “any reason” why Jarome Luaiwho just parted ways with his management company, may want to leave Panthers.
But Paul Gallen he has questioned whether the fifth and eighth representative can be motivated and lead a struggling team to success.
Luai’s fear of running away from the Panthers increased after that Danny Weidler was exposed in the Sun-Herald that Luai lost a contract worth $100,000 following the dissolution of management company SFX Sports Group.
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There were already concerns that Luai could be a free agent on November 1 in a bid to become a $1 million-a-year player – a slip he may not be able to get at the Panthers due to the powerhouse club’s salary cap squeeze.
Penrith coughed up a long list of gunners among its surprises NRL recent successes, including Matt Burton, Apisai Koroisau and Viliame Kikau, while Stephen Crichton is one of those expected to leave at the end of this season.
Gould, who began a reign at Penrith as the club’s general manager for eight years from 2011, was positive about Nine. 100% Feet Monday night that Luai will sign a new contract with the Panthers.
“I don’t think there’s any reason he’d want to leave the Panthers. That’s where he grew up and that’s where he’s playing, playing for the best club in the league, the No. 1 team in the country. Why would he want to move?” Gould said.
“I don’t see why he would leave Penrith, I don’t think he’s thinking about leaving Penrith and I don’t know that money is a big deal for him, to be honest.”
Among the potential signings for Luai, the Bulldogs appear to be the most likely destination, perhaps due to the move of Burton, Kikau and coach Cameron Ciraldo from Penrith to Canterbury.
Crichton will switch the colors of the Panthers to the Bulldogs strip in four years at the end of this season.
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Luai’s signing with the Bulldogs also coincides with Gallen’s bid to turn around the struggling club.
“He’s done well, he’s won two premierships in a row, he’s here this year, he’s here next year, if he wins three in a row then he’s very successful,” Gallen said. 100% Feet.
“Now, does he want to go and lead the team to win? That’s what I’m wondering.
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“He went and led Samoa to the World Cup final. He did well.
“I wouldn’t say he’s in (Nathan) Cleary’s shadow, but when you think of Penrith you probably think of Cleary before Jarome Luai.
“I wonder if he wants to be his own man and be his own leader and lead the team to success. I wonder that … I don’t know him as a person, I don’t know what his goals might be, but I can see from a halfback or a game manager …
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Luai Panthers’ current contract expires at the end of 2024.
The Panthers and Broncos are ranked first and second on the ladder respectively, with the percentage giving Penrith the edge.
The Panthers will face the Sharks in Penrith on Saturday night
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