Best he has ever done: Luai received recognition for his halfback display prior to Origin selection.
Ivan Cleary, the head coach of the Penrith Panthers, thinks that Jarome Luai will be prepared to play halfback in the opening State of Origin series game against the New South Wales Blues in 2024.
Despite suffering multiple well-publicized injuries, Luai is now a contender for the seventh jersey for the Blues. Adam Reynolds, Nathan Cleary, and Mitchell Moses are all sidelined, and Nicho Hynes left the field during the Panthers vs. Sharks game on Saturday night due to a calf injury.
After a sluggish start to the season, coach Cleary stated that Luai, whose kicking game is at its peak, had taken command of the Panthers after he dominated the team’s major victory.
Yes, he has [assumed leadership of the group]. It makes sense that he recovered from shoulder surgery a little slowly at first, but Cleary believes he has been improving over time. He has really come through for us over the past few weeks, which is exactly what we needed.
“If he enters Origin feeling as confident as we all expect and hope, he will undoubtedly be pleased with his form, especially with his kicking, which is a key component of Origin’s left foot kick. It’s a fantastic option, in my opinion, and his kicking tonight was the best he’s ever done.” Cleary hinted that Luai would be prepared if needed, but he refrained from suggesting that he ought to be selected at halfback.
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