MICHAEL Gordon's future at the Panthers is in doubt, with the NSW Origin star to consider quitting the club if new coach Ivan Cleary ignores his request to play fullback.
In a dramatic development just weeks out from the season-opener, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal Gordon has already had one release request denied and is likely to leave the club if he is kept on the wing.
New Penrith coach Ivan Cleary last night confirmed his dilemma, with Gordon's ultimatum having the potential to place young gun Lachlan Coote on the outer.
Cleary admitted Gordon had sought a release from the Panthers after fielding offers from both the Gold Coast Titans and Wests Tigers.
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"I am aware of the situation," Cleary said when asked about Gordon's release request.
"Mick is off contract this year and he has certainly made it clear that he would like to play fullback."
On a reported $220,000 a year, Gordon and his management feel the Origin winger would command more money as a fullback.
Gordon signed a two-year deal in 2010 before making a switch to the back last year. He scored several scorching tries before a knee injury ended his season.
"He understands that fullbacks command more money than wingers," Cleary said.
"They are not stupid and I have spoken to Mick about this. We have covered this off. He wants to do his best for the team and he thinks that is at fullback, which is great."
Gordon's manager Andrew Purcell said Gordon would be sold as a fullback when his current deal expires at the end of the year.
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"We believe Michael can be in the top group of fullbacks and we certainly won't be discussing him as a winger for his next contract," Purcell said.
"And he will be going on the open market as a fullback if things don't work out.
"We tried to do his last deal as a fullback, but he hadn't played a game there at that point and people hadn't seen what he could do.
"The Panthers have been very open with us and we all know where it is at. But there will come a point where they will need to make up their mind up."
Both Gordon and Coote have spent the pre-season trialling at the back, with Gordon also spending time in the centres during opposed sessions.
While Gordon can cover several positions, Coote is a specialist fullback.
It leaves him facing an uncertain future should Gordon be given his wish to wear the No. 1 jersey.
Cleary said both were in the hunt for the position.
"It is evolving," Cleary said.
"Lachlan didn't start the pre-season. He had some injuries last year and that has flowed over. Mick has made it clear that he would like to play there, but there are lots of players in the squad that would like to play in different positions.
"At the end of the day, he is like everyone else and he will have to do what suits the team best. From that point, we are in a position where I will have to mix it up and see what I come up with.
