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Ivan Cleary remains confident Penrith can retain key talent despite growing interest from the new PNG franchise.
Ivan Cleary has downplayed concerns that players from the Penrith Panthers could follow Jarome Luai to the incoming PNG franchise, as rival interest begins to shape the NRL's next contract cycle.
Luai's marquee move is expected to attract further talent, prompting the Wests Tigers to secure Terrell May and Taylan May on new three-year deals.
However, several high-profile players across Penrith and the Tigers remain off contract, including Panthers captain Isaah Yeo, who has acknowledged he is likely to test the market when eligible on November 1.
Nathan Cleary has also indicated interest in exploring free agency, while teammates Brian To'o, Liam Martin and Mitch Kenny are in similar positions.
Ivan Cleary noted that Penrith's situation differs from Luai's departure, as all current players remain bound by contract timelines and cannot negotiate externally for another six months.
He suggested the club would use that window to begin retention talks, acknowledging the challenge of keeping a successful roster together.
The coach also pointed to Penrith's history of managing player turnover, referencing departures such as Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton, Api Koroisau and James Fisher-Harris.
He maintained confidence that the club's systems would continue to sustain performance despite inevitable losses.
Meanwhile, attention has turned to potential recruits for the PNG side. While Nathan Cleary would represent a high-profile target, PNG international Jack de Belin has identified Lachlan Lam as a strong option to partner Luai in the halves.
Lam, who played 31 NRL games with the Sydney Roosters, has since established himself in the Super League with the Leigh Leopards and has represented PNG in 14 Tests.
De Belin indicated Lam's form and familiarity within the national setup could make him a natural fit alongside Luai in the new franchise.