Penrith and Liam Martin are closing in on a three-year extension as the premiers prepare to ramp up negotiations with Stephen Crichton and Brian To’o’s management at the end of the week.
Weary Panthers officials were back at work on Tuesday trying to get clarity for their roster beyond 2023.
Martin, To’o and Crichton are the key players off contract at the end of 2023, but free to strike a deal elsewhere on November 1.
Sources with knowledge of negotiations told the Herald that Martin was much closer to a deal than Samoan internationals Crichton and To’o.
Martin, who has said more than once he wants to be a Panther for life, told the Herald on Sunday night that each premiership success made it more difficult to leave his friends.
“Absolutely it does, and hopefully we’ll get it figured out because I want to stay here,” Martin said.
Liam Martin is closing on a three-year extension with Penrith.Credit:Getty Images
Premiership glory paved the way for Martin to make the NSW Origin team – and now the Kangaroos. Martin joins Panthers teammates Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo in the green and gold for the first time.
“To be picked, it’s because of all these boys who allow me to do my role the best I can and make me look better,” Martin said.
“It would be a massive honour to represent Australia and, if I get my chance, I’ll give it my all.
“It will be extra special to be alongside them Isaah and Nath. They make me feel comfortable in any environment I walk into.”
Make that two premierships and counting: Liam Martin and Dylan EdwardsCredit:Getty Images
Martin attracted interest from Parramatta, with his cousin Trent Barrett to start work next season as one of Brad Arthur’s assistant coaches.
The 25-year-old said in the lead-up to the grand final against the Eels how he was flattered by the interest from the blue and golds, and how he looked up to Barrett when he was growing up.
Martin’s management has been holding out for a deal worth about $550,000 a year. The last meeting with the Panthers was on the eve of the preliminary final against Souths. Martin is aware he can rubber-stamp any deal from the far north of England, where he will be based with the Roos.
The suggestion Martin and other Panthers’ market value had increased because of Sunday’s win was dismissed by Penrith, with one official noting: “I’m not sure if they are more talented today than they were last Friday.”
Crichton and To’o are both expected to go beyond November 1 and will attract plenty of interest.
The Panthers have been waiting on an answer from Jaeman Salmon about a two-year extension months ago, while Matt Eisenhuth, who was handed a premiership ring by coach Ivan Cleary late Sunday, has also been made an offer.
Spencer Leniu is also off contract at the end of 2023, and is desperate for the chance to be a starting prop, which is unlikely given the form of Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris. Charlie Staines has reportedly been mentioned as part of a swap deal with Tyrone Peachey and the Wests Tigers.
Meanwhile, Bulldogs-bound Viliame Kikau and his brother Jope spoke about how sad it was to leave Penrith.
“There are mixed emotions, [especially] seeing him wear the jersey for the last time … Penrith have always been there to support him,” Jope Kikau said.
Viliame added: “This club has given me a lot, and they’ve not only made me a better player but they’ve made me a better person off the field. There’s no better way to leave the club [than] with another premiership.”
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