Penrith centre Paul Alamoti. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Premiership-winning Panthers centre Paul Alamoti is the latest player not ruling out testing the market when NRL free agency opens on November 1.
Alamoti is currently contracted to the Panthers until the end of the 2027 season but like several of his teammates including co-captains Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, is keen to see what other offers are out there before committing to Penrith long-term.
Asked by the Weekender on Wednesday what his plans for the future were, the 22-year-old was rather cagey in his response.
“I can’t really talk to anyone until November 1, so that sort of gives me the freedom to continue playing good footy,” he said.
“That stuff is normal in rugby league, you’ve just got to be able to put up with it. Like I said, I can’t really talk to anyone until November.”
Paul Alamoti celebrates a try. Photo: NRL Photos.
Alamoti is correct, he’s restricted to opening contract talks with any other NRL club except for his current club the Panthers, who could extend him past 2027 tomorrow if both sides agreed to a deal.
The former Bulldog confirmed that no talks between his management and the Panthers had commenced as of yet.
“Every player is trying to look after themselves first and foremost, so that’s the main thing, but nothing’s popped off at the moment, so I’m just trying to play good footy and enjoy my footy,” he said.
“At the moment we’re travelling well and I’m trying to search for my best game too. That gives me the chance to keep playing well, keep getting better every week, and enjoy winning.”
Last week, former Panthers teammate Jarome Luai shocked the rugby league world when he became the PNG Chiefs inaugural signing – player 001.
Alamoti said he was also surprised by the news before labelling it a genius move by Luai and the Chiefs.
Paul Alamoti. Photo: NRL Photos.
“That was definitely one that was out of the blue, especially the PNG Chiefs,” he said.
“There was always a question mark around who their first signing would be.
“They couldn’t have gotten a better player.
“They got the perfect man. Somebody who they can build a team around – a winner. Someone who will attract other players too. They’ve got the golden child. It’s perfect for him.”
Whether Alamoti joins Luai in Port Moresby in 2028 is anyone’s guess, but right now he’s a Panther who’s preparing for an almighty showdown against last year’s Minor Premiers this Sunday in the nation’s capital.
The Raiders have had the wood over the Panthers in recent years, with their fearless attitude towards the four-peat Premiers something to be admired.
“They’ve got a pretty good track record against us so far. You can tell they get up for games against us,” Alamoti said.
“They’ve had an up and down start to the year. They’re probably searching for their best footy and we’re in the same position. We know what they can do. If we’re not on we’ll get our pants pulled down.”
Penrith and Canberra play at GIO Stadium on Sunday.
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender’s Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.