NRL 2024: Jarome Luai opens up on future Penrith Panthers’ replacement five-eighth options

Jarome Luai hasn’t given up on playing in next month’s World Club Challenge, but his absence could signal who Penrith have in mind to replace their star five-eighth in 2025.

Outgoing Penrith star Jarome Luai is adamant the club can continue to trust its pathways system and look inward to find his long-term replacement at five-eighth.

In a wide-ranging interview while visiting Cobham Youth Justice Centre this week, Luai opened up on his relationship with coach Ivan Cleary and winning back his Origin jersey.

He also hasn’t given up on playing in next month’s World Club Challenge in England.

The Wests Tigers-bound five-eighth has just passed the 12-week mark post-surgery on the left shoulder injury that forced him off the field in last year’s dramatic grand final win.

Penrith have all but ruled out Luai out of the game against Wigan on February 24, however the stubborn playmaker has vowed to make the most of his final year at his home club.

Jarome Luai hasn’t given up hope of playing in the World Club Challenge, but his absence could reveal the favourite to replace him in 2025. Picture: David Swift

“It’s feeling good right now. I’m doing more team stuff. The last hurdle is contact,” he said.

“You know me, I was always going to be pushing for World Club Challenge. I don’t think it’s out of the question yet. I’m saying yes, I’ll always back myself and what I can do.

“It’s 4-5 weeks away. For me, that’s plenty of time.”

His absence could signal the future for the three-time premiership-winners.

Coach Ivan Cleary will then have to decide on whether returning junior Daine Laurie, new signing Brad Schneider, or promising talent Jack Cole will wear the No.6 next month.

It will be the start of a year-long audition to be Nathan Cleary’s halves partner from next year onwards, although the club could opt to go to market to spend their money.

But, after unconventionally announcing his big-money move to the Tigers earlier this month, Luai doesn’t think they'll have to.

The battle to replace Luai in 2025 could be a three horse race, with Daine Laurie, Jack Cole and Brad Schneider all waiting in the wings.

“They’re all guns, man. They’re all training really well,” he said of their depth.

“Good luck to coach, but personally I don’t think they need to shop around for anyone else.

“Where I can mentor or help them through the year, if they’ve got any questions for me, I’m definitely the first one to put my hand up.”

Luai said he and Laurie had similar playing styles.

“It’s good to see him back, he’s a massive part of the group,” he said.

“He’s got that character where you can sort of always hear him. He’s like me, a bit.”

Luai was emotional when he fronted his teammates late last year to inform them of his decision to leave the club before officially committing to the Tigers.

But the more difficult conversation was with his long-time halves partner in Nathan, and his dad Ivan, who have been a part of Luai’s career since his debut in 2018.

Luai admits returning Panther Laurie has a similar playing style to him and could be the most like for like replacement. Picture: Getty Images

“There were no tears, and we were in discussion about it beforehand anyway,” he said.

“It was a tough thing to do, but I just wanted it to be over and dealt with before I came back just to give them the courtesy and respect that I’m all about this year.”

While focused on the dream farewell of a fourpeat, Luai also has his eye on reclaiming his Origin jersey after his ruthless axing last year.

After appearing in the series’ opening two losses, then-coach Brad Fittler dropped Luai in favour of Cody Walker, who helped NSW avoid a clean sweep in the dead rubber.

“It’s definitely on my goals list. I love the Blues. I want to represent them and consistently win in that jersey,” he said.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Jarome Luai opens up on future Penrith Panthers’ replacement five-eighth options