Daine Laurie, the unexpected hero from the Panthers’ recent trip to Las Vegas, is reportedly on the radar of rival clubs eager to plunder the reigning champions’ roster.
Due to salary cap constraints, Penrith has had to part ways with numerous talented players throughout their remarkable four-year reign, and Laurie is a prime candidate for clubs seeking new talent.
As a versatile player capable of filling multiple positions in the backline, Laurie has struggled to secure a permanent role in Penrith’s starting lineup.
If events had unfolded as planned in Vegas, he may have seen around 15 minutes of game time off the bench towards the end of the match.
However, following a serious head injury to winger Casey McLean just three minutes in, Laurie was thrust into action, making a notable impact by scoring two tries that ultimately secured Penrith’s hard-fought victory over Cronulla.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Laurie expressed uncertainty about his future when speaking to Wide World of Sports.
Daine Laurie of the Panthers. Getty
“I don’t think my manager and the club have had any discussions yet, so everything’s a bit uncertain,” Laurie stated.
“All I can do is give my best performance when I’m given the opportunity and hope for a contract – whether it’s here or elsewhere.”
‘DRAMA IN VEGAS’
In a surprising turn of events, the Panthers and Raiders found themselves on the same flight from Vegas to San Francisco, beginning a long journey back home after the weekend’s festivities.
However, it’s not something that will concern either Peter V’landys or Andrew Abdo.
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The situation arose due to the additional weight of equipment both teams had brought to America, causing the plane to exceed its weight limit and delaying takeoff.
The flight was postponed for approximately 40 minutes, risking missed connections for those heading back to Australia.
In a bid to remedy the situation, frantic staff from United Airlines offered passengers USD$1500 to voluntarily disembark in order to get under the weight limit.
After several passengers accepted the offer, the plane was finally able to depart, leaving many Australians sprinting through the terminal in San Francisco to catch their onward flight to Sydney, which was already boarding.
DISCONTENT AT THE DRAGONS
Keep an eye on Micheal Molo, as the talented player may soon follow his brother Francis, who left the Dragons under less-than-ideal circumstances, in seeking a new club.
Micheal, a tough 28-year-old prop, finds himself in a tough spot following Francis’ turbulent exit and is also in the final year of his contract.
Having played 19 matches for the Dragons in 2023, Michael made just four appearances the previous year but has recently garnered interest from clubs in the Super League.
A FUTURE HOPPOATE STAR EMERGING
An exciting new prospect from the Hopoate family is about to make a name for himself in rugby league.
Monson Hopoate, nephew of the controversial John Hopoate and son of John’s brother Albert, may just be 14 years old, but he has already secured a scholarship deal with the Wests Tigers.
A powerful and agile outside back, Monson has made a name for himself in junior competitions as a specialist in leaping for the high ball in both attack and defence.
The young talent has a way to go before making it to the top echelon of the sport, yet he is highly regarded by those in the know, and there’s no denying his impressive lineage.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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