One of seven Penrith Panthers players who are off-contract at the end of the season, premiership-winning forward Luke Garner has found himself linked with another club.
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According to Wide World of Sports, Garner has attracted the interest of the Perth Bears, who have already recruited teammates Liam Henry and Scott Sorensen to deals beginning next year.
However, the Bears are unlikely to be the only team monitoring his long-term future.
The Dragons, Eels and Sea Eagles all previously showed interest in his services in 2025, when reports emerged that he had been granted permission by the club to explore his options.
Formerly with the Wests Tigers for whom he made 75 appearances for between 2018-22, Garner has been a valuable player for the Panthers since he arrived at the foot of the mountains at the beginning of the 2023 season.
Since then, he has racked up over 50 matches for them and has been used in a variety of different positions including the back-row and centres.
RECORD-BREAKER EYES CLUB SWITCH
Record-breaking winger Alex Johnston has hinted at a move to the PNG Chiefs franchise when they enter the NRL in 2028.
Being of Papua New Guinean heritage, Johnston has represented the footy-mad nation on 12 occasions and if he’s still got something to offer when 2028 rolls around, he admits he’ll “definitely” consider signing with the Chiefs.
“I’m signed for this year and next year at Souths, and after that, if I’ve still got some miles to go in the legs, I’ll definitely be talking to the Chiefs,” Johnston told Channel Nine.
“It would be pretty cool to be one of the first signed for a Papua New Guinean team.
“They absolutely love footy over there, and I’ve got a good relationship with the fans and the prime minister over there. I think that’s something I’d look forward to.”
By the time the Chiefs are set to enter the competition, Johnston will be 33.
The 13-year NRL veteran broke Ken Irvine’s record of 212 tries last Friday against the Roosters with the Rabbitohs unveiling a statue in Johnston’s honour this week at the club’s base in Maroubra.
ENFORCER’S $1M PAYDAY
The Dolphins have reportedly won a multi-club battle to retain enforcer Francis Molo, who is set to re-sign with the 17th NRL franchise.
According to Code Sports, Molo has agreed to sign a two-year contract extension worth a reported $1 million after joining the club midway through the 2025 season.
The 31-year-old reportedly fielded interest from three NRL rivals, while Super League clubs also made a play for his services.
On the open market, the former Queensland Origin prop could have secured a deal worth around $650,000, meaning he has given up potentially $300,000 to remain at the Dolphins.
Molo reportedly believes the Dolphins are a genuine finals contender under Kristian Woolf and will now remain at the club until the end of the 2028 season.
Given he turns 32 in September, his latest deal could be the last of his rugby league career.
The former Dragons enforcer will return from a three-game suspension in Round 4 when the Redcliffe-based side take on their cross-town rivals the Broncos.
Molo has played 154 NRL games to date, having made his debut at the Broncos in 2014
