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Money isn't everything: Penrith star's big future hint
Scott Bailey, AAP •  September 8th, 2026 6:30 pm
Liam Martin is a proud Panther and is likely to forego bigger money offers to remain at Penrith | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Liam Martin has given the first real indication he could refuse more money elsewhere to stay at Penrith, declaring the dollar-figure on his contract won't be the only deciding factor in his future.
Martin has put contract talks with the Panthers on hold until after the end of the season, with the focus now clearly on Sunday's qualifying final against Sydney Roosters.
The Panthers have a number of stars off contract at the end of next season, with Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo's future also yet to be locked in beyond 2027.
Moses Leota is another star off contract, with the prop forward also indicating on Tuesday he would find it hard to leave the foot of the mountains.
But the sheer number of big names off contract has left Penrith in a difficult position, juggling several offers under the salary while trying to retain all talent.
If Martin remains unsigned by November 1, the Kangaroos Test forward would likely command more money on the open market.
The tax-free money from PNG would also loom as an option, given the NRL has not allowed the Chiefs to sign Hudson Young for their initial offer of $900,000 a season after Canberra offered him $1.1 million to stay.
But Martin made clear money would not be the only thing he would consider, and there was a real appeal to staying at Penrith.
"There could be more money elsewhere, but money is not everything at the end of the day," Martin said.
Moses Leota says it will be hard to leave the foot of the mountains | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
"I have a great bunch of mates here, best mates who I have been with since I was 18.
"I have been in Penrith for 10 years now and have a little boy. There is a lot to weigh up, it's not an easy decision. It's one I'll have to make in due time."
Since Penrith's run began in 2021, they have lost more than half of their first title-winning team to rival clubs.
Until this point none of Penrith's home-grown talent have lined up against them in a grand final, with the likes of Apisai Koroisau and Jarome Luai yet to play finals at Wests Tigers.
"There's a duality to it," Martin said.
"I couldn't imagine going somewhere and experiencing failure and just how tough it would be.
"But also the challenge of building a successful club somewhere else, I feel like I could offer something. It's a tough decision.
"That success is so addictive, and what we've got here is an incredible culture."
Penrith have already lost Brian To'o to the Chiefs for 2028, while Yeo is edging closer to formalising a new deal.
The Panthers also remain confident they can keep Cleary, who has not put a timeline on his decision.
Leota, meanwhile, is expected to stay, but said he was unsure if a deal would be done by November 1.
"Penrith is my home and this is all I have ever known," Leota said on Tuesday.
"It would be hard to get me away from here, but we'll see what happens."
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