Moses Leota has emerged as a target for the Perth Bears ahead of their NRL debut, but the expansion club's pursuit hinges entirely on whether Penrith is willing to release the powerhouse prop a full year before his contract expires.

Leota is contracted to the Panthers through to the end of the 2027 season, yet Penrith has granted him a narrow window — closing at the end of this week — to test the open market and assess his options before officially becoming a free agent.

Perth Bears keen, but only on their terms

The Bears have both the financial capacity and the desire to add Leota to their roster for their inaugural 2027 NRL season , it is understood. However, there is a firm condition attached to their interest: if Penrith insists Leota honours the final year of his deal, Perth will walk away rather than wait until 2028 for his services.

That creates a significant decision for the Panthers, who are simultaneously trying to retain Leota alongside a host of other stars — including Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Brian To'o, Mitch Kenny, Isaiah Papali'i, Blaize Talagi and Paul Alamoti — all of whom are poised to hit the open market if they do not recommit before November 1.

Two other potential suitors have already stepped aside. Parramatta was considered a likely interested party but has opted not to pursue Leota at this stage, while expansion franchise the PNG Chiefs, set to enter the competition in 2028, have also indicated they will not chase the Kiwi international.

Leota open to staying at Penrith

Speaking after Penrith's 36-14 victory over South Sydney at CommBank Stadium on Friday night, Leota was measured about his future, making clear he values life at the foot of the mountains while leaving the hard negotiations to his management.

"It's just to see what's out there and then obviously come back to the club, and we'll sort it out that way," Leota said. "I am happy at Penrith. Obviously, my manager's got a job to do, and I leave it up to him. It's just for me to focus on my footy, and when it's done, it's done."

Asked whether remaining at Penrith was a genuine possibility, the Kiwi international was emphatic — up to a point. "Yeah, 100 per cent. But then again, I'll leave that to my manager, and we'll go from there," he said, adding that family and long-term financial security were among the factors weighing on his thinking.

Leota also acknowledged the unusual position Penrith had put him in by allowing early talks. "Credit to the club, they let me go to the market early," he said.

Salary cap rise could shape the outcome

The timing of Leota's decision could be influenced by broader financial changes coming to the competition. The NRL salary cap is expected to rise significantly, with figures suggesting it could reach as high as $20 million by 2028 . Leota is widely regarded as one of the premier front-rowers in the game and is expected to be among the chief beneficiaries of any cap expansion, making his signature even more valuable to rival clubs.

With his market window closing imminently, all parties are moving quickly. Whether Penrith opts to grant an early release — or holds firm on its contractual position — will determine whether Perth's ambitious recruitment drive for a marquee forward succeeds, or whether Leota simply returns to Penrith to see out his deal.

For now, Leota appears content to let his manager navigate the competing interests while he keeps his focus on football. Given Penrith's relentless pursuit of another premiership, that singular focus may well be exactly what the club is banking on.