Matt Eisenhuth is optimistic of remaining at Penrith beyond 2022 as discussions between the Panthers and the middle forward's management reach their pointy end.
Eisenhuth made 16 appearances for the newly minted premiers in the regular season but was the odd man out in the finals series.
Instead of playing in the Panthers' second consecutive premiership win, Eisenhuth featured for the Penrith NSW Cup team's grand final and state championship wins that helped highlight the club's dominance across the lower grades.
Eisenhuth, 30, was the oldest player to feature for Penrith at NRL level this season and is one of only four Panthers currently uncontracted for 2023, along with Christian Crichton, Kurt Falls and premiership winner Jaeman Salmon.
But the former Tiger says he is hopeful of remaining at the Panthers next season.
"It's in talks at the moment. I'm pretty confident that I'll be hanging around," Eisenhuth told AAP.
"I love being at this club, I love the group of players, I love the coaching staff.
"Why would you want to leave a club that's going so well at all levels?"
Eisenhuth also missed out on selection in 2021's successful grand final team, despite featuring heavily during the regular season.
Spencer Leniu and Scott Sorensen beat Eisenhuth to the specialist forward spots on the bench in the 2021 and 2022 grand final wins, while James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota were first choice as starting props.
But Eisenhuth insisted his two close calls with NRL premiership success had not discouraged him.
"Not everyone can play when there's so much talent around," he said.
"Coming into next year, I'll be doing everything I can to try and be in that 17 and play as many first-grade games as I can.
"But if it's the same as this year, whenever I'm called upon I'll do my job.
"If that's my role for the club and the squad, then I'm content."
