Warriors rival Eels for NRL superstar

New Zealand Warriors and Parramatta Eels are battling it out to sign one of the most reputable players in the NRL.

It was revealed by Six Again yesterday that the Wahs were the frontrunners to sign Penrith star Moses Leota after the superstar prop was given permission to speak to other clubs.

Available to sign from November for the 2028 season, Leota is one of the biggest names on the market having won four Premierships with the Panthers.

The 30-year-old is in his 11th season with the Sydney club and is widely regarded as one of the leading props in the NRL competition.

His services will have clubs queuing at the door and it was always unlikely the Warriors would have a free run at Leota, despite his Kiwi roots.

Born in Auckland and an eight-time New Zealand international, Leota will be attracted by the prospect of a return home, but money talks, and as of right now there is another club going all out for his signature.

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Parramatta Eels enter race for Moses Leota

Penrith Panthers’ biggest rivals Parramatta Eels are eager to land a powerhouse forward and want to meet with Leota and his management, according to Wide World of Sports.

A move across Sydney for one final payday may be tempting for Leota, though it’s believed Penrith have also not given up on retaining him.

The Panthers reluctance comes from having a number of key players, such as star halfback Nathan Cleary, off contract at the same time.

Leota will be 32 when his next contract starts and despite his loyalty to the club over the years, Penrith are considering spending their cap money elsewhere.

Head coach Ivan Cleary leaves at the end of 2027 and a rebuild is on the cards for the hierarchy at the Panthers, who want to focus on younger talent.

The decision of where he lands come the start of 2028 will ultimately come down to Leota and his management, but the Warriors and Eels appear to be in driving seat at the moment.