Jarome Luai, the five-eighth for the Panthers, has received a warning from Parramatta Eels and NRL icon Peter Sterling as he prepares to make a decision regarding his future.
It is reported that the Penrith Panthers, Wests Tigers, and Canterbury Bulldogs are interested in the outstanding five-eighth, who will have an expiring contract at the end of 2024.
It is also anticipated, according to News Corp., that a decision about his future will be made by the time he returns to pre-season practice on December 8.
The Wests Tigers have reportedly offered Luai’s management $4.5 million over the course of four seasons, but Sterling has cautioned Luai to consider his options carefully and take his time.
“I know back in my time at Parramatta, there were opportunities to go elsewhere but you have to weigh up a lot of things, especially the fact that you’re at a club that’s successful,” he stated to 9News Sydney.
“[Are you] generally content with your current residence and the course of events? Do you interfere with that even when you’re not sure you’ll appreciate your destination?”
Although Luai’s decision might come soon, the Panthers have stated they will not match the deal; nonetheless, rumors say they have made the representative star an offer of a $1.7 million, two-year contract extension.
Sterling has reminded Luai that there is more to the game than money. Sterling is one of the best halfback players in history and a pivotal figure in the Eels dynasty that saw them win three straight premierships.
Sterling stated, “It’s never all about the money.”
“First and foremost, you’re going for the wrong reason if you go for the money.
It’s undoubtedly a major factor, but there are many others as well.
“He’ll end up making the right decision and it’ll be the choice that his gut and his heart tells him is the best way to go,” he stated.
It’s known that Luai has a little more than two weeks to decide where he will play rugby.
