Over the past few days, Leota\u2019s future has been at the centre of the rugby league news cycle<\/a> after it was revealed that the Panthers had given him and his management the green light to test the open market.<\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n Speaking for the first time since the reports emerged, the veteran forward thanked the club for allowing him to explore his options before the mandatory November 1 transfer window.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just to see what\u2019s out there and then obviously come back to the club and we\u2019ll sort it out that way,\u201d Leota said.<\/p>\n \u201cI am (happy at Penrith). My manager\u2019s got a job to do and I leave it up to him. <\/p>\n \u201cFor me, I\u2019ll focus on my footy and we\u2019ll get it done when we get it done. <\/p>\n \u201cCredit to the club, they let me go to the market early and we\u2019ll see how it goes in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n Contracted until the end of 2027, Leota reaffirmed his strong ties to Penrith, saying he could see himself staying at the foot of the mountains.<\/p>\n However, family and financial security will be key factors in his next contract decision.<\/p>\n \u201c100 per cent (I can see myself remaining at the club) but then again I\u2019ll leave that up to my manager and go from there,\u201d Leota added.<\/p>\n It is understood that the Panthers are also keen on retaining his services, but face salary-cap pressure with a number of star players also off-contract at the end of 2027<\/a>.<\/p>\n Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!<\/a><\/p>\n ‘To Put it Mildly’ + Ivan on spine swap | 06:22<\/p>\n This includes co-captains Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary, State of Origin representatives Brian To\u2019o and Liam Martin and international stars Blaize Talagi, Isaiah Papali\u2019i and Paul Alamoti.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is (an amazing place to be) but in saying that, we can\u2019t get too confident and we\u2019ve just got to take it each week at a time and we\u2019ll go from there,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n The latest comments from Leota come after Panthers coach Ivan Cleary confirmed that the veteran front-rower had been granted permission to gauge his value on the open market and speak with rival clubs.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/poster-fallback.png\"\/)
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