Mansour and Leniu in demand
Speaking of Mansour, the Wests Tigers remain the favourites to secure his services, however the club will not take him on until the end of 2023 as Ayoub is demanding. The 30-year-old was one of the best wingers in the NRL in 2020 and would provide the Tigers with valuable leadership that has been lacking at the joint venture, however his age is a sticking point for the club.
Panthers player Josh Mansour, wife Daniella and children Andre, left, and Siana.CREDIT:NICK MOIR
The Tigers are happy to sign him on a two-year deal, but not three. Parramatta are also keen to lure him to the club, which has received glowing recommendations from a number of ex-Panthers in the squad, however it requires Ayoub finding a new home for his other client, Blake Ferguson.
The Panthers may also struggle to keep young prop Spencer Leniu, who is off contract at the end of the year. Penrith offered him a two-year extension before the finals, but at least four clubs have since expressed interest in his services for 2022, including Trent Barrett at the Bulldogs.