Panthers pick Luai as the guy to replace Maloney in the halves
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has revealed the young halves combination the Panthers intend to take into round one of the 2020 NRL season.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
SuperCoach Cheapie Bible: Time to start hunting bargains
- They cut me from my hip to my privates
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed that Jarome Luai will receive the first chance at five-eighth for the 2020 season.
Cleary declared his plans for Luai to partner his son Nathan in the halves for the Panthers’ round 1 clash against back-to-back premiers the Sydney Roosters on March 14.
Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
“I’m expecting that Jarome will get the first crack at the No. 6 jumper,” Cleary told the Triple M Rush Hour on Tuesday night.
“We’ve got a few good options there but Jerome and Nathan played in the Harold Matthews together.
“They are a good little combination. They are different in many ways but I’m excited to see those guys.
“They are very young but they have been together for a long time and I think they are happy to be reunited.”
Dubbo-born young gun Matt Burton is also in the mix to play five-eighth.
It won’t be easy for Burton, especially with competition like Luai, but he is up for the challenge.
“I’ll keep working hard and see what it brings,” the 19-year-old said.
“It does feel like I’m starting again this pre-season.
“There are a lot of new faces getting around but the first few sessions have been really good.
“We’ve all bonded well and I’m really keen to see what next season brings.”
Originally published as Panthers pick Luai as the guy to replace Maloney in the halves