Liam Martin’s agent says the Panthers forward wants to stay at Penrith and that PNG is unlikely if the Chiefs land Hudson Young, Code Sports reported via Zero Tackle.
Zero Tackle, citing Code Sports, reported on Friday that Allan Gainey has told Penrith to come back when ready, with his client keen to stay at the foot of the mountains before chasing rival offers.
Martin is on the open market after November 1 and has been linked with the Canberra Raiders as well as the incoming PNG Chiefs. Gainey said a Young signing in Port Moresby would likely close that door for another representative second-rower.
Read more: Liam Martin Open to Raiders Move as Stuart Opens Door on Hudson Young
Gainey: Penrith first and last
“It’s unlikely PNG is an option if Hudson Young goes there,” Gainey told Code Sports.
“I’ve had chats with Penrith and said, ‘Let me know when you are ready. He will have other options if we want to pursue them, but I want to talk to the incumbent club first and last,” Gainey said.
“Liam would like to stay at Penrith, but I know what we can get on the open market.
“A few clubs in Australia are pretty keen, so it depends how much is left in the salary cap.”
Cap clarity after Cleary
Zero Tackle said the Panthers are understood to be preparing a two-year extension for Nathan Cleary, which would give greater salary-cap certainty before they turn to other retention priorities, with Martin high on that list.
TSB earlier covered Martin saying he was open to Canberra and Ricky Stuart leaving the door ajar on Young. Friday’s agent comments sharpen the preference: stay at Penrith if the numbers work, with PNG fading if Young lands.
Read more: Hudson Young Lands in Port Moresby for PNG Chiefs Talks
Neither Penrith nor the PNG Chiefs had announced a deal for Martin at the time of writing.
More News
