Panthers young gun Jarome Luai has big future in Penrith
LOSING Nathan Cleary would be tragic for Penrith, but in a rising playmaker Penrith has a potent back-up who can become the “face of the franchise”.
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LOSING Nathan Cleary would be tragic for Penrith, but in rising playmaker Jarome Luai the Panthers have a potent back-up who can become the “face of the franchise”.
That’s the opinion of Penrith CEO Brian Fletcher following Luai’s stunning NRL starting debut against the Warriors last Friday.
The St Marys Saints junior scored two tries and set up another to guide the Panthers to a comprehensive 36-4 win.
Luai is off-contract at the end of 2019 — the same time as Cleary, who has been rumoured to be leaving the club to join forces with his father Ivan.
The Panthers want to retain Nathan Cleary but if he decides to depart, Fletcher believes the club has a capable replacement in Luai.
“It is good to have some back-up in all those positions because you never know what happens in life,” he said.
“Cleary is off contract at the end of 2019 and at this stage so is Jarome.
“He has come through all the systems and there is no way in the world we want to lose him.
“I’m sure Phil Gould will be looking at his future very closely. He can play other positions like fullback, so he isn’t just restricted to halfback.
“You can’t keep them all, but I’m sure (Luai) will stay at Penrith.”
Luai could play again on Friday night against Cronulla because Penrith are considering resting NSW Origin stars Cleary and James Maloney.
“Phil (Gould) and the coach were talking that there is a good chance they won’t play,” Fletcher said.
“Lining up on Wednesday and then playing on Friday night, you’d probably leave them out.
“We’ve got eight long weeks ahead of us, so give them a rest after Origin and go from there.”
Luai could also line up at fullback following Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s hamstring injury.
If the 21-year-old talent is selected to play the Sharks, Fletcher has no doubts he’ll succeed. He believes Luai has the ability and personality to become Penrith’s marquee man.
Originally published as Panthers young gun Jarome Luai has big future in Penrith
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