Luai on Monday inked a two-year NRL contract extension for him to remain at Penrith until the end of 2021.

With NSW five-eighth James Maloney, 32, off-contract at the end of 2020 and expected to retire, Panthers boss Phil Gould is making plans for the future.

Luai burst onto the scene with a scintillating performance in the Panthers' big win over the Warriors without their Origin stars in round 17.

He finished the season with four first-grade appearances and is expected to be further developed under new coach Ivan Cleary in 2019.

A St Mary's junior, Luai came through the junior grades at the Panthers and said he always wanted to remain at the foot of the mountains.

"I feel blessed to re-sign with Panthers because Penrith is my home," Luai said.

"It was an easy decision for me as I've come through the Panthers system with so many of the players here and we're basically a family.

"A lot of us have kids as well so to watch them grow up together will be special.

"I'm grateful to have the opportunity to work with the likes of Nathan Cleary and James Maloney as I continue to improve my game."

Gould described the former Junior Kiwis skipper as a player of the future.

"Right from the time we first saw Jarome in our junior rep program, we believed he was an NRL player of the future," Gould said.

"We were thrilled when he got his opportunity to play NRL in 2018 and no one was surprised at the impact he made.

"We are delighted he has extended his contract with Panthers and we look forward to watching his development over the next three seasons."

Australian Associated Press