As Penrith star Jarome Luai prepares for an impending move to the Wests Tigers, one Panthers great believes Luai has proven “without question” he can be the chief playmaker at his new club.
Luai was outstanding for the Panthers in their 30-10 demolition of the Roosters on Friday night, setting up a preliminary final in a fortnight.
Halfback Nathan Cleary returned for Penrith and was prolific, but Luai was just as crucial, proving a handful all night for the Roosters defence.
Watch the best coverage of the 2024 NRL finals, with expert analysis and every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Friday night’s win marked the 11th in 13 finals appearance when Luai and Cleary play together.
Penrith great Greg Alexander said on Fox League that it’s clear the team want to send Luai and other outgoing stars Sunia Turuva and James Fisher-Harris out winners this season, just like the several departed players before them.
“Players that have left Penrith over the last few years, and have signed contracts before leaving, it hasn’t affected one of them,” Alexander said.
“There’s a pretty good carat dangling to not let it affect you, and that’s because you’re playing for a premiership and that’s exactly what Jarome wants to do.”
Since news of the Tigers’ Luai coup broke, the polarising five-eighth has had to hear criticism over whether he has the tools to be a team’s general playmaker, considering most of his success has come when sharing the field with Cleary.
However, with Cleary missing half of the season with injury, Luai stepped up in a big way in 2024, adding tools to his game to prove he cannot only play off the cuff, but run a structured and organised attack.
Even with Cleary in the line up against the Roosters, Alexander believes Luai played his own role rather than a complimentary one.
Panthers perfect start proves too strong | 02:15
MORE NRL NEWS
FOXX FAILS: Addo-Carr reportedly tests positive on second roadside drug test
HOOPS: Swap deal in play as Hunt contract watch heats up; Matty’s ‘best-ever’ call
‘GOING TO KILL ME’: Keary reveals hilarious Gal regret … what Smith is really like
WHISPERS: Cap crunch twist in Broncos’ bid for Reynolds heir; Sharks’ cap squeeze
“It’s probably not even fair to say he complimented Nathan well tonight because he played his own role, Jarome stood up and was very effective in everything he did,” Alexander said.
“Kicking was fantastic, jinking runs. I know the boys highlighted the combination is 11 finals wins from 13 games they’ve played.
“Why are they (Cleary and Luai) so good? Well it’s just how well they combine. It is seamless when they are together.”
Eels and Blues half Mitch Moses echoed Alexander’s sentiments, but was able to add some rare insight into what aspects Luai has improved this season given they were the halves combination for New South Wales this year.
“I think Jarome’s grown as a player this year because of the amount of time he’s been away from Nathan. I feel like he’s taken control of the team, he’s grown in a lot more areas when Nath’s been out,” Moses said.
“He was unbelievable (in State of Origin). Jarome, I feel like the last time I played Origin with him to this series, he’s just grown so much as a leader and how he speaks to everyone and how he goes about his training.
“He’s a real professional and I saw a real difference in him this series.”
The Tigers’ brass are undoubtedly rapt to see how this season’s played out, given Luai will all but certainly be the team’s starting halfback alongside exciting young gun Lachlan Galvin in 2025.
Panthers on track for 4peat?! | 06:40
MORE NRL NEWS
PERFECT: Panthers cook Chooks to book fifth straight prelim berth after historic half
ROOSTERS RATINGS: Playmaker’s horror night as key men go missing in ugly rout
PANTHERS RATINGS: ‘Top shelf’ superstar’s timely return as Penrith pack stuns
Alexander said there’s no question he’ll be able to lead a team like the Tigers next season as the chief playmaker, even providing a
“Going back a few years, the reason why Penrith signed Sean O’Sullivan was because Matt Burton and Jarome Luai weren’t working in the halves because Jarome didn’t seem to be the man to be calling the shots,” Alexander explained.
“So Penrith said, well when Nathan isn’t there, we need a genuine seven to play that role and try and replicate what Nathan does like kicking and organising.
“But Jarome, with the signing at the Tigers, they were questions asked. Can Jarome handle being the general playmaker. The answer is without question.”
Hall of Fame halfback Cooper Cronk says he wants to see Luai do it in a system that isn’t the well-oiled machine Penrith are, but admits the Panthers’ five-eighth’s improvement this season has been impressive.
“The answer is he can in Penrith’s system. Can he do it over at the Tigers?” Cronk said.
“I agree though, he’s improved out of sight in his ability to still be that flamboyant line breaker and then make smart decisions as well.
“He used to be locked on the left hand side, get the ball out the back and carve up, now he’s actually getting it first off the ruck, he can move and provide for Nathan on the right hand side.
“The sign of a good player when he’s already great is can he improve, and he’s definitely done that.”
Source Agencies
