Spener Leniu not rushing into contract talks despite growing interest in Panthers prop

Panthers enforcer Spencer Leniu is refusing to enter into contract talks despite growing interest in his signing for 2024 and beyond.

The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the top young front rowers in the competition, having made 62 appearances since his debut in 2019 and featuring in Penrith’s back-to-back Premiership.

Leniu has attracted plenty of interest in recent months, with clubs like the Bulldogs and Dragons linked with the Samoan international for next season.

Speak with The sports news Following the shock World Club Challenge loss to St Helens, Leniu said his management had suspended all contract talks in preparation for the upcoming season.

MORE: Penrith Panthers 2023 season preview | Tigers sign Doueihi again until the end of 2024

“I’m not sure right now,” he said.

“My manager still sorts all these things. My main focus is just getting the job done for these guys here.

“Honestly, I just told my manager I want to focus on this week and we’ll talk about it afterwards.

“I haven’t heard of any offers.”

Penrith has been able to retain the majority of its Premiership-winning stars beyond 2023, with only Leniu and second rower Scott Sorensen without deals for next year.

The club have been forced through several changes this season, with star duo Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau both joining the Tigers and Bulldogs respectively.

Leniu admits their losses will leave a big hole in the Panthers’ squad this year but expects new faces like Luke Garner, Zac Hosking and Soni Luke to have a significant impact.

“Obviously it’s a really big loss [Koroisau]but we have every confidence in Mitch and Soni to come in and fill in those shoes,” he said.

“They have been Api’s apprentices for the last few years and I’m sure they will shine this year.

“They have fitted in very well [Hosking and Garner]…I thought they both did a really good job tonight.

“They’re really big footsteps, but they’re different types of players.”

As for the shock loss to the Super League giants, Leniu was full of praise for the opposition’s forward package.

“Nothing really surprised me — they’re just a gritty team and they showed up a little bit more ruthlessly than we did, and that’s why they brought it on us,” he said.

“It was definitely one of the more physical games I’ve ever played. Hats off to their strikers, we really liked them.

“We will learn many lessons from this game and work towards next week and the week after after leading to another physical game against the Broncos.”