Penrith Panthers star Luke Garner is receiving interest from both Super League and NRL clubs.
This is with a view to signing the forward ahead of the 2025 season with Garner out of contract. However, according to reports down under the salary cap squeeze on the champions could see them lose Zak Hosking or Garner immediately.
This would open up an opportunity for Super League clubs to make a major signing ahead of the new season.
So with that in mind, which clubs are positioned to sign Garner ahead of the 2024 campaign?
St Helens
The former Super League Champions are one of only two clubs with a quota spot officially open ahead of the new Super League season. The others are Salford Red Devils who probably don’t have the spending power to sign someone like Garner. But what about the Saints? This move is feasible and would address a problem in their squad with recent years seeing their forwards frequently picking up injuries and they will start the season without Agnatius Paasi. But their priority is at centre and they are more likely to use their quota spot on a number three.
Warrington Wolves
According to reports from Rugby League Live, the Wolves are set to release Sam Kasiano. This would open the door for the club to move for Garner and in doing so would see the club secure a major replacement for Kasiano. Sam Burgess’ reputation would key in signing him.
Catalans Dragons
The French club also don’t have a quota spot open ahead of the new season but that could also change. The future of Siua Taukeiaho is a complicated one. The prop was set to be released from the club if he could secure a move to a new club and was set to sign for Canterbury Bulldogs on a two year deal but this collapsed due to a failed medical. According to reports, Taukeiaho could still be released by the Dragons which would allow them to sign Garner which would very much echo some of the Dragons’ recent big signings such as Taukeiaho himself and other big name NRL stars.