Could Moses Leota now be more likely to finish his career at Penrith? Parramatta have reportedly withdrawn their interest in the champion prop, narrowing the field of clubs pursuing him beyond the end of his current Panthers contract.
The development does not guarantee Leota will remain at Penrith, with several rivals still monitoring the 31-year-old as he considers what could be the final major contract of his career.
Eels End Interest In Leota
Parramatta were initially considered a leading contender for Leota after the Panthers granted him permission to assess his value on the open market ahead of the usual November 1 negotiation date.
Leota’s manager, Gavin Orr, previously confirmed the Eels had contacted him and were interested in holding discussions.
“They are keen to talk so we will sit down with them and see what they have to offer,” Orr told Wide World of Sports at the time.
“If it is a strong offer we will seriously consider it. If not, he will stay where he is.”
However, Parramatta have now reportedly withdrawn from the race, removing one of Leota’s most logical Sydney-based options.
The Cronulla Sharks, Newcastle Knights and New Zealand Warriors have also reportedly decided against pursuing the experienced front-rower.
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Several Clubs Remain Interested
Leota’s management was given a short window by Penrith to determine his value before formal negotiations can resume on November 1.
As many as six rival clubs reportedly expressed interest during that process, with potential offers ranging from $850,000 to $1 million per season.
The Perth Bears have been widely identified as one of the strongest contenders, while the Sydney Roosters, Dolphins, Wests Tigers, Canterbury Bulldogs and Canberra Raiders have also been linked with Leota.
The Sporting Base previously reported that Perth plans to make Leota the NRL’s next $1 million forward.
However, Penrith have made it clear that Leota will not be granted an early release from the final season of his contract. Any move would therefore be expected to begin in 2028 unless the Panthers change their position.
Panthers Remain Firmly In The Race
Despite the outside interest, staying at Penrith remains a genuine possibility for Leota.
“I am happy at Penrith,” Leota said when discussing his future in July.
“For me, I’ll focus on my footy and we’ll get it done when we get it done.”
Asked whether he could see himself remaining with the Panthers, Leota replied: “One hundred per cent.”
Leota joined Penrith’s junior development system as a teenager before making his NRL debut against Manly in 2016. He has since made 219 first-grade appearances and played a crucial role in the club’s four consecutive premierships between 2021 and 2024.
The Panthers originally extended his contract through to the end of 2027 in April 2023. At the time, Leota said the club was his home and expressed his desire to finish his career at Penrith.
Salary Cap Decisions Loom For Penrith
Retaining Leota will be part of a much broader roster challenge for the Panthers.
Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o, Liam Martin and several other members of Penrith’s premiership-winning squad are also contracted only until the end of 2027.
That collection of elite players will force the Panthers to make difficult decisions over how their salary cap is divided ahead of the 2028 season.
Leota’s experience, aggression and ability to set the tone through the middle make him an important part of Penrith’s forward pack. However, the prop will be 32 when his next contract begins and is understandably looking for long-term financial security.
Parramatta’s withdrawal has removed one potential destination, but Leota’s future is unlikely to be settled until the Panthers and the remaining interested clubs can make formal offers.
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