Jarome Luai’s brutal Origin statement in shock all-time thrashing

It was a result that very few people would have predicted in Penrith as the Panthers blew the Roosters off the park in stunning scenes.

Jarome Luai and the Panthers answered the critics. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Penrith Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai has answered calls for him to be dropped for the first State of Origin match with a stunning performance in the 48-4 annihilation of the Sydney Roosters.

The Roosters were put to the sword by the rampant defending champions as they romped to a 24-0 lead at halftime, doubling up in the second while only conceding a 64th minute try to Corey Allen.

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The result pushes the Panthers into second on the ladder after what was the biggest win in the head-to-head history of matches between the clubs.

But it could just be exactly what Luai needed in his bid to retain his NSW Blues No. 6 jersey.

Luai had been under fire throughout the season but starred with two line-breaks, two line break assists, two try assists and two tries himself. He also ran for 103m.

Along with Scott Sorensen in what Greg Alexander told Fox Sports was “the game of his life” with two tries and 183 run metres, as well as both Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards and lock Isaah Yeo both running 210m with the ball, the Roosters were torn apart.

With four and a half minutes remaining, Luai scored his second and on Fox League, Shane Flanagan

“He had a slow start to the season, and I put it down to the World Cup,” Flanagan said.

“All of those players who had the World Cup, had a big build up and he played fantastic, especially at the back end of that tournament.

“And then he comes back home and starts slow. But there’s a big game coming up in a couple of weeks, it’s called Origin, and he wants to play in that game.”

Luai has sent an emphatic statement. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Luai’s Origin jersey has been under pressure from the likes of Dally M Medallist Nicho Hynes and Rabbitohs star Cody Walker.

Alexander said it was the perfect response from Luai.

“There’s been a lot of talk around Jarome, he’s the incumbent No. 6

“There’s been games where Penrith have been under pressure and it hasn’t been Jarome that's stood up and said ‘alright, I’m going to try and get us home’. That’s why there’s been a question mark over Jarome.

“You couldn’t have answered the pressure any better than Jarome did tonight. It’s against a quality side in the Roosters — they’re not playing great but still, it’s a big game.”

Alexander said it was a little clearer than it was before the game.

Cooper Cronk said he thought Luai was the “second best on the park”.

“Selectors and coaches pick the team but ultimately it’s up to the player to put that much pressure on the selectors that I must be chosen in this team through performance,” Cronk said.

“Yes, he’s had a slow start but he’s been terrific.”

Blues coach Brad Fittler spoke on Channel 9 and praised Luai’s performance.

While the Roosters had only 41 per cent of position, the side had just one player, winger Jaxson Paulo, running over 100m for the Roosters.

To make matters worse for the Roosters, injuries to Joey Manu and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves add to a shocker of a night.

Originally published as Jarome Luai’s brutal Origin statement in shock all-time thrashing