The Panthers are gonna have to shed a few players, not because of salary space but just space in the squad. They have 2 whole teams worth of NRL contracted players..
1. Wes Naiqama
2. Josh Mansour
3. Dean Whare
4. Michael Jennings
5. David Simmons
6. Lachlan Coote
7. Luke Walsh
8. Sam McKendry
9. Kevin Kingston
10. Tim Grant
11. Lewis Brown
12. Sika Manu
13. Blake Austin
14. James Segeyaro
15. Dayne Weston
16. Nathan Smith
17. Matt Robinson
1. Wes Naiqama
2. Geoff Daniela
3. Arana Taumata
4. Mosese Pangai
5. David Simmons
6. Maurice Kennedy
7. Harry Siejka
8. Jeremy Latimore
9. Ryan Simpkins
10. Chris Armit
11. Clint Newton
12. Cameron Ciraldo
13. Nigel Plum
14. Ethan Cook
15. Danny Galea
16. Kyle O'Donnell
17. Adam Docker
18. Sam Anderson
That is not including their uncontracted promising youngsters Tom Eisenhuth, Sarafu Fatiaki, Junior Tia-Kilifi, Junior Vaivai or guys like Etu Uaisele & Shane Shackleton, let alone Matt Moylan & Vaipuna Tia-Kilifi who are their biggest junior prospects.
They have to get rid of a heap of fringe players or their best young talent will have to leave.
Not exactly the best move for Cookie & Anderson either.