Campbell-Gillard's Panthers future clouded with Eels looming

The Penrith Panthers could be parting ways with prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard next year, with the Parramatta Eels hatching a plan to lure the international to the club.

NRL.com understands the Eels and Panthers have been in discussions about a potential release from the final five years of Campbell-Gillard's deal at Penrith.

While Campbell-Gillard hasn’t asked for a release from the Panthers, NRL.com understands Penrith have had a discussion in the past month with the former Kangaroos forward about his future.

Campbell-Gillard is on a deal worth more than $4 million over the next five years, a lot of money for a prop who they are currently using off the bench.

It’s understood the Panthers would be willing to chip in a portion of Campbell-Gillard’s contract if he was to attract interest from a rival club, however the length of the term could prove a stumbling block.

The Eels, who are also in discussions with Melbourne forward Christian Welch, are trying to bolster their front-row stocks.

The Panthers haven’t granted Campbell-Gillard formal permission to negotiate with rival clubs, however that could change over the next 48 hours.

Campbell-Gillard represented Australia on five occasions during the 2017 World Cup, going on to make his NSW State of Origin debut for NSW in 2018.

However, since breaking his jaw against the Roosters midway through last year, he has struggled to recapture his best form.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary dropped him to the Canterbury Cup earlier in the year, and he has spent the past seven games coming off the bench since earning a recall to the NRL side.

Each club has been contacted by NRL.com on the matter but neither has made an official statement.