Jarome Luai knows he must decide between "success or family" as the Penrith five-eighth's long-term future looks set to dominate the off-season news cycle.
Luai collected his third consecutive premiership ring on Sunday, with long-time teammate Nathan Cleary urging his long-term teammate to remain at the Panthers.
Penrith have less than a month to tie Luai down to a new deal before he can field offers from rival clubs for the 2025 season.
"I said to him straight away, 'Let's keep going, it's just the beginning', and I gave him a big hug," Cleary said.
"At the end of the day it's his decision, so I don't want to try to sway him.
"He's got to do what's best for his family, but he knows I want to play alongside him for the rest of my career."
Luai, who failed to finish the grand final after being substituted out with a recurrence of a shoulder injury, will be hot property come November 1 when he is free to listen to offers from other clubs.
He has been heavily linked with a switch to Canterbury and knows he must take less money to remain at Penrith or trade the NRL's most successful club for a healthier bank balance.
"There are two main factors: success or family," Luai said.
"Those are the two main reasons in this decision coming up."
The 26-year-old is likely to head for surgery on his left shoulder over the off-season and must also find a new agent after splitting with his long-time management company midway through this year.
Panthers teammate Spencer Leniu, who will head to the Sydney Roosters next season, said Penrith should do everything in their power to keep the flying five-eighth at the club.
"I know 'Romey' and this is his home, I think he's going to be here," Leniu said.
"I don't think Penrith can let a guy like him go because of the energy he brings to this team."
Leniu and Stephen Crichton, who will head to Canterbury in 2024, have been tempted away from Penrith due to salary-cap constraints.
But Luai says he is aware of what he would be missing if he followed them out of the door and hinted he wanted to continue playing a part in cementing the Panthers' dynasty.
"The resume speaks for itself," Luai said.
"No other team has done this. Hate us, love us, you can't argue with that. We're just getting started."
