‘Major drama’: Panthers’ unlikely Vegas hero Daine Laurie shapes as the next target for rival clubs….

The Panthers’ unlikely Vegas hero Daine Laurie shapes as the next target for rival clubs intent on picking the premiers to pieces.

The salary cap has seen Penrith lose a host of quality players during their amazing four-year dynasty and Laurie fits the bill perfectly.

He is a classy utility who can play anywhere in the backline – but can’t cement a regular spot in the Panthers’ starting 13.

Had things gone to plan in Vegas, Laurie may have got 15 or so minutes off the bench late in the game.

But when winger Casey McLean took a heavy head knock after just three minutes, Laurie was thrown into the fray – and scored two tries that proved the difference in a tight win over Cronulla.

The former Tiger is off contract at season’s end and admitted to Wide World of Sports he wasn’t sure what his future holds.

“I don’t think the club and my manager have spoken yet so it’s a bit up in the air,” Laurie said.

“All I can do is play my best when I get a chance and hope I get a deal – if not here then somewhere else.”

‘MAJOR DRAMA’ LEAVING VEGAS

There was major drama when the Panthers and Raiders found themselves on the same flight from Vegas to San Francisco to start the long trip home after the weekend’s extravaganza.

But it’s nothing that will cause Peter V’landys or Andrew Abdo to lose any sleep.

The problem was that with all the extra gear the two teams brought to the USA, the plane was over its weight limit and unable to take off.

The flight was delayed for about 40 minutes, putting all those who had a connection back to Australia in danger of missing their next flight.

Panicked United Airlines staff ran around offering passengers on the flight USD$1500 to get off the plane so it could get under the weight limit.

When several people took up the offer, the plane finally took off – but left plenty of Aussies running across the terminal in San Francisco to make the plane back to Sydney, which was already boarding.

DISGRUNTLED DRAGON’S BROTHER ON THE MOVE

Don’t be surprised if Micheal Molo – whose brother Francis quit the Dragons in far from happy circumstances recently – is also on the move from the club.

Michael, a bruising 28-year-old prop, is in an awkward position after Francis’ fiery exit and is off contract at the end of the season.

After playing 19 games for the Dragons in 2023, Michael made just four appearances last year but has been attracting interest from Super League clubs.

ANOTHER HOPOATE EYEING NRL

Yet another member of the prolific Hopoate clan is set to make his mark in rugby league.

Monson Hopoate – nephew of the infamous John Hopoate and son of John’s brother Albert – may only be 14 but he has already signed a scholarship deal with Wests Tigers.

Monson is a big, strong outside back with plenty of pace and has established a reputation in the junior grades of being a specialist in jumping for the high ball in both attack and defence.

The youngster still has a long way to go to make it to the top – but good judges rate him and there can certainly be no questioning his bloodlines.