Panthers star fullback Dylan Edwards has reportedly begun negotiations for a contract extension and playmaker Jarome Luai has backed him to earn a bumper pay rise.
According to the SMH, the 27-year-old currently earns around $500,000 but is set for a huge upgrade for 2024 as well as an extension for a minimum of two more years.
Panthers powerbrokers are facing a delicate salary cap headache with both Luai and Edwards coming off-contract come November 1.
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Both players, who were integral figures in the club’s back-to-back premierships, are expected to field offers around the $1 million mark if they hit the open market.
As it stands, Luai’s current contract is reportedly worth around $750,000 per-season and the incumbent Blues playmaker is also in line for a hefty upgrade.
While the Panthers already have a number of big-name stars on lucrative contracts, Luai is confident the club can accommodate upgrades for himself and Edwards.
“Yeah I reckon they can,” Luai told the Herald.
“Dyl’s one of our best players. Not just this week or that week, but consistently on a week-to-week basis, he’s always up there.
“Just look at his numbers and what he puts up. He’s vocal and his leadership is very important to our team.
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“This is our home. We’ve been here ever since we’ve come in (to NRL). We haven’t got too far into the chats at the moment, but hopefully I can let you know in a couple of months.
“I’ve still got (18 months) to go and we’re still early in the year. I’ve got to play well and hopefully they re-sign me.”
Several stars have been forced out of the club in recent years due to salary cap constraints.
Gun backrower Viliame Kikau departed for the Bulldogs after the 2022 season, while hooker Apisai Koroisau also left for the Tigers.
Meanwhile, Spencer Leniu and Stephen Crichton are set to leave at the year’s end, joining the Roosters and Bulldogs respectively.
