NRL rookie of the year Sunia Turuva could be on the move as Penrith Panthers negotiations stall

During the past month the Panthers have prioritised other players and extended May’s contract until the end of 2026 on a deal worth close to $1.1 million over two years.

They also moved swiftly to secure Tago’s services despite the in-form centre still contracted until the end of 2025.

Sunia Turuva celebrates during a game against Parramatta back in round two.Credit: Getty

Tago’s new deal will see him remain at Penrith until 2028 on a contract worth close to $3 million over four years.

Over the past few years the Panthers have lost two high-profile players each season as a result of their success and the squeeze on the team’s salary cap.

After the 2021 grand final triumph, Penrith lost Matt Burton (Bulldogs) and Kurt Capewell (Broncos).

Following their 2022 triumph over Parramatta, they then lost hooker Api Koroisau (Wests Tigers) and Kikau (Bulldogs).

Sunia Turuva has enjoyed a rapid rise at the Panthers.Credit: Getty

Last year, after the team’s third straight title win over Brisbane, the Panthers farewelled centre Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs) and prop Spencer Leniu (Roosters).

At the end of this season they will say goodbye to Luai (Wests Tigers) and potentially one other player as they try to keep the nucleus of their all-conquering squad together.

The Panthes are also in discussions to extend hooker Mitch Kenny’s contract and are confident he will remain at the club despite attracting interest from St George Illawarra.

While the salary cap is limiting Penrith’s spending capacity, they are also pondering Turuva’s value given the talent at their disposal coming through the lower grades.

Brothers Jesse (20) and Casey McLean (18) are considered future superstars of the club and are both locked in until the end of 2026.

The Newcastle Knights, Wests Tigers, Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm have all been looking four outside backs. The Dragons could also enter the frame with Zac Lomax expected to be granted permission to leave in 2025, if not sooner.

The Herald previously reported that the Dragons told Lomax’s agent that they would enter discussions with him about his future after round four. The Eels are circling and want Lomax at the club immediately as a centre.