Moses Leota's future at the Penrith Panthers is set to become one of the biggest contract storylines of the NRL off-season, with the veteran prop expected to hit the open market on November 1.
The four-time premiership winner was granted permission by Penrith early last month to engage in discussions with rival clubs, allowing his management to gauge interest and establish his market value ahead of formal negotiations.
That process has only reinforced Leota's standing across the competition.
According to 'The Daily Telegraph', as many as 12 clubs have expressed interest in securing the services of the 31-year-old, who is capable of commanding a deal worth more than $900,000 per season on the open market.
Despite the overwhelming interest, Leota's preference remains to finish his career at Penrith, where he has been a cornerstone of the club's golden era since making his debut in 2016.
However, the Panthers' retention priorities mean his future remains uncertain.
With captain Isaah Yeo and superstar halfback Nathan Cleary ahead of him in the club's retention plans, Leota's long-term future will depend on what Penrith can offer once negotiations begin.
"Moses' preference is to stay at the Panthers, but a lot will depend on what they can offer him," manager Gavin Orr told 'The Daily Telegraph'.
"We have reported back to Penrith and said we have this level of interest; these are the clubs who will target him come November 1.
"It was a fact-finding mission to see how many people were interested in Moses and where they see him in their team.
"The Broncos were one of the clubs we spoke to, but I don't know what their salary cap situation is.
"The Panthers have been upfront with us and said there's a pecking order of 1, 2 and 3.
"For them, it's Nathan, Yeo and then Moses Leota and we understand that."
The Brisbane Broncos are understood to have shown genuine interest during the exploratory talks, although their recent signing of Mitch Barnett is expected to leave them without the salary cap flexibility required to secure Leota's signature.
The Canberra Raiders have also previously been linked to the veteran front-rower through his management, although CEO Don Furner rubbished those reports, telling The Canberra Times he has no idea where they have come from.
"Utter rubbish. I don't know where that's come from. I've got no idea where that's come from," Furner told the publication.
"No one's spoken to him or about him. We won't be going after him."
While Leota could likely earn a richer contract elsewhere, it is understood he would be willing to accept a pay cut to remain at the foot of the mountains.
The experienced prop is reportedly prepared to sign a three-year extension worth around $850,000 per season if Penrith tables an offer, sacrificing potential earnings to remain with the only NRL club he has represented.
Orr believes Leota still has several elite seasons left in him and remains among the competition's premier middle forwards.
"Moses believes he can play another three years," Orr said.
"He does special extra training sessions that keep him fit.
"He has no major injuries.
"Moses has been the forward leader of the Panthers for the past two years. He wants to play until he is 35.
"Moses is right up there with the best value props in the game. He has won four grand finals and could have won the Clive Churchill Medal in two grand finals.
"If the Panthers offer him the right deal, then he will probably stay where he is."
With November 1 approaching, Penrith now faces a significant retention decision.
Allowing one of the club's longest-serving leaders to test the open market could spark one of the fiercest bidding wars of the year, but if the Panthers can find the salary cap room to retain him, Leota appears willing to prioritise loyalty over a bigger payday.
