Penrith are confident they can put friction with Jarome Luai to one side and sort out a new contract despite the star five-eighth thumbing his nose at coach Ivan Cleary with an Instagram post.
A day after Cleary warned Luai should be careful what he wishes for if he takes up a more lucrative deal elsewhere to become a chief playmaker, the controversial Samoan international posted “know your worth” on social media on a photo of himself.
Added to the post was US rapper 50 Cent’s “Hustler’s Ambition” from Get Rich Or Die Tryin’.
The not-so-subtle return serve at Cleary came after the triple premiership-winning coach questioned whether the 26-year-old could handle being a team’s main on-field general.
Luai is expected to field offers of close to $1.1 million a season from rivals, who are desperate for talent in the halves as a chief playmaker, something he has not had to do at Penrith with childhood teammate Nathan Cleary alongside him.
“I think that’s that’s the biggest thing at play here,” Ivan Cleary said with the Panthers offering a two-year extension worth around $1.7 million.
“If any club wants to (offer) the money, we’re talking, probably the money that he may consider leaving (for), it would have to be for that kind of role. Is he ready for that? That’s a question mark. Could he do it? I’m sure he can do it.
“Has he done it? No, he hasn’t. He’s done a little bit with Samoa of course at last year’s World Cup. But generally speaking, in this team he’s had his role to play. So it would be slightly different. So I guess that’s a risk that everyone would have to take.”
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Penrith are adamant they will not rush Luai’s contract negotiations, which loom as the biggest piece of the salary cap puzzle.
Club director Greg Alexander was insistent on Friday there was no split between Luai and Cleary.
“I would say the relationship between Ivan and Jarome is strong enough for the comments Ivan made not to have any impact on Jarome’s decision, whether he stays or doesn’t,” Alexander said on SEN.
“It’s not the normal player-coach relationship. It’s a bit deeper than that.”
Nat
Roar Guru
No testing in the off season…
SPM
Roar Rookie
Maybe becoming the main man might be the making of him but 1.1 million is a huge gamble on a maybe
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Seriously tho, he does seem to have a problem with impulsiveness, HY. Unpredictability can be handy in someone who plays second fiddle, but it's not a quality we see in a half able to lead the team around the park.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
And rarely both feet behind the line ...
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Another good option. Sandon Smith would do a pretty good job as well, plus cheaper . :laughing:
Tony
Roar Guru
And maybe his driveway doesn't go all the way to the road :happy:
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
I wouldn’t be paying much attention to anything Luai says. I’m not sure that he has both oars in the water
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I think “know your limitations “ would be a more apt phrase for Luai.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yes that is what Ivan is trying to tell him. Maybe also know when to STFU?
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
"Know your worth" ... I don't think Luai is worth 1.1 million.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Another quiet day for the media ? Lets check Luai's social media stuff ! We might be able get some action going ?