Going to market wasn't an option for Panther Edwards

The deal is believed to be worth close to $850,000 per season, making the long-underrated No.1 one of the highest earners in the game.

In reality though, there is every chance Edwards could have commanded more on the open market from November 1.

Kalyn Ponga, Tom Trbojevic and James Tedesco are believed to be the only current seven-figure fullbacks in the NRL, with Latrell Mitchell and Clint Gutherson also close to the mark.

But as the reigning Clive Churchill Medallist and a key cog in Penrith's attack, there is every chance Edwards would have fielded offers of close to the magic number.

Not that it was ever a consideration for the 27-year-old, who arrived at Penrith as a teenager from the north coast a decade ago.

"Not at all. This is home for me so I never really thought of holding out or going to free agency," Edwards said.

"That's not the person I am. I'd rather stay at home and be comfortable with where I am. My family is here, my mates are here and everything's here.

"I never wanted to go anywhere else.

"I'm not really sure what the value would have been out there. The club was always going to do a fair deal for them and me so I think that's where we got to."

Edwards' deal leaves Jarome Luai as the only big-name Panther not locked in until at least the end of 2026, after years of losing marquee stars to rival clubs.

Negotiations with the five-eighth have been put on hold until the end of season, as has long been the preference for the Panthers with their players at this time of year.

Luai is signed until the end of 2024, meaning Penrith will have between four and six weeks to come to terms with the playmaker before he can field offers from rivals on November 1 if still unsigned.

"It would be massive to keep him," Edwards said. 

"He's such a big part of our side. Hopefully the club and him can come to a deal, but in saying that Romi has to do what he needs to do. 

"I'll back him and whatever decision he makes."