The Mole: Some Tigers insiders 'aren't concerned' with losing $1.2m Jarome Luai to monster Chiefs deal

You would think alarm bells would be ringing at the Tigers with marquee man Jarome Luai travelling to Papua New Guinea last weekend to talk tax free dollars with the new Chiefs franchise for 2028.

But there are elements in the Tigers who aren't concerned at losing Luai, who is on a massive $1.2 million-a-season contract but will leave after 2027 to play for PNG.

The former Panthers premiership winner will be 31 when the Chiefs kick off in two seasons' time, an age some would consider well past his prime - although several playmakers are now playing good footy well into their 30s.

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Since he joined the Tigers, the club has got great value out of former utility back Adam Doueihi in the halves, Jock Madden has made a successful return from the Broncos and Latu Fainu continues to develop his talents.

So the Tigers have plenty of cover in the halves - as well as a couple of highly promising emerging juniors - and some believe Luai's $1.2 million salary could be better spent elsewhere.

FORMER ORIGIN PROP FACING MEDICAL RETIREMENT

Former Blues State of Origin prop Daniel Saifiti is fighting to save his career with a serious shoulder injury putting his future in grave doubt.

The 29-year-old enforcer faces the prospect of medical retirement if the shoulder does not come good.

The Fiji international has been battling the problem since moving to Queensland last year and has played just eight games in the last 18 months for the Dolphins after leaving the Knights.

Saifiti underwent surgery on the shoulder late last year and was hoping to be back on the paddock for the start of this season.

But the problem has not been fixed and Saifiti has limited movement in the arm and is unable to do any heavy contact work.

Specialists are considering a second surgery but are unsure if it will fix the issue.

"It's a real shame as Daniel is a great guy and a fine player," a Dolphins source told Wide World of Sports.

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"He still has a few options and we will help him any way we can - we just have to wait and see."

Saifiti has played nearly 200 games in the trenches for the Knights and Dolphins over the past 11 seasons - as well as seven Origins for New South Wales - and the tough battles up front have clearly taken their toll.

PANTHERS SIGN TEEN TALENT

Penrith has signed another top young prospect in 15-year-old second-rower Jayden Xerri.

A local junior from the St Mary's club, he's made a big impression in a short time with his power running and strong work ethic.

With the Panthers losing much of their top-line talent to rival clubs in recent years, they are concentrating on building from within and have the world's largest junior league from which to cherry pick talent.

Xerri, who is not believed to be related to Bulldog Bronson, has shone in the juniors and is one to jot down for the future.

PUSH FOR 20-YEAR BAN TO BE OVERTURNED

Bush footy player Matt Nean has received support from an unexpected source in his bid to get a 20-year ban overturned.

Nean has already served nine years for allegedly man-handling the referee in the 2016 Group 4 grand final in Tamworth - despite vision of the incident appearing to show he barely touched the match official as the two crossed paths.

Players throughout Group 4 went on strike in support of Nean earlier this year and now the Group chairman has also spoken out about the lengthy suspension.

Speaking in a personal capacity, Pat Crowe said the handling of the matter had left him with serious concerns for the former Tamworth player.

"It doesn't sit well with me, and we need to correct this injustice," Mr Crowe said.

Mr Crowe said that after reviewing the available evidence, engaging directly with those involved, and examining comparable cases, he could not reconcile the severity of the penalty imposed on Mr Nean with the facts of his case.

"I don't understand it. I've got no idea. Is there something that we've not been told? Are there other forces at play?"