NRL 2021: Panthers Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai turn attention to erasing premiership heartache

For Penrith stars Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai — with the Origin series now sealed — thoughts have quickly redirected to the next target they so desperately crave.

Latrell Mitchell scores an intercept try. Picture: Peter Wallis

There is still one State of Origin game to be played and NSW players are craving a relentless clean sweep over hapless Queensland.

Yet for Penrith stars Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, with the Origin series now sealed, thoughts have quickly redirected to the ultimate prize — winning a premiership.

Speaking after Origin II in Brisbane, where NSW claimed the series with a 26-0 rout, Cleary and Luai couldn’t help but look forward to the next target they so desperately crave — grand final success.

“I’d obviously love to win a comp,” Cleary said. “That’s probably been the biggest goal I have ever had growing up.

“To be able to win one at Penrith would mean the world to me.

“Origin is ticked off now and I’m absolutely pumped about it but the next goal is definitely to win the comp.”

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Nathan Cleary is looking forward to getting back to business with the Panthers. Picture: Getty Images

Luai added: “Ah man, every time I put that black (Penrith) jersey on, it’s similar to the Blues jersey for me because I’m representing where I come from and my home town.

“It (a premiership) would mean everything for me, my family and my brothers out there as well.

“(Losing last year’s grand final) has given us more experience because none of us had experienced the big stage before. We were a very young team and still are but we have learnt a lot of lessons from last year.

“But we still have one more game to go in Origin. Hopefully we can get through that unscathed and bring this great experience back to our club.”

Cleary and Luai have been brilliant for NSW this season.

The pair continue to lift their standards with Luai proving in just 160 minutes that he is ready and made for Origin football.

“Winning (the Origin series) is hard to describe,” Cleary said.

“To be able to win both games in Queensland, it’s amazing. These wins don’t come around too often so you have savour it.

“The strike in this side is very impressive but I think the scramble (defence) is probably more impressive, just the way everyone works for each other.

Jarome Luai says a premiership would mean everything to him. Picture: Getty Images

“I don’t go out there to prove critics wrong. I go out there to make my teammates and family proud. I just try and rip in for them.”

Cleary’s game also continues to skyrocket, as do the accolades.

“It’s not something I buy into too much,” Cleary said. “I feel like I’m pretty self-aware of when I’m not playing my best and when I’m playing better.

“But I still have a long way to go and that’s the road I’m on. I want to keep grinding away and never be comfortable with where I’m at. I’m only 23 and I will always try and get better for as long as I’m playing the game.

“The best players are always looking to get better.”

Luai added: “It’s a pleasure playing in this NSW team. I pinch myself looking around. I don’t have to do too much, just do my job, do my role and give them the ball.”

Penrith's Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai before losing last year’s grand final

Why Greg Inglis would now turn his back on Queensland

Imagine if a young Greg Inglis had watched this one from his Macksville lounge room.

Play for Queensland?

Yeah, nah.

Which could be called Latrell Mitchell’s new superpower, right?

More potent than even, say, his step, fend or ‘Kangaroo Ears’ celebration.

Indeed, coming into this year’s State of Origin series, Mitchell revealed that more than simply winning back the shield, and his spot in the side, he vowed to regain the hearts and minds of young kids, black and white, everywhere out west.

With the South Sydney poster boy explaining on the eve of Origin I how he wanted to reverse the trend that had seen bush kids, for the best part of a decade, jumping on the Maroon bandwagon.

Latrell Mitchell scores an intercept try. Picture: Peter Wallis

Just as way back 15 years ago, it was suggested Inglis — a New South Welshman in every sense — was wooed north because of their strong allegiances with Aboriginal players.

A production line which, started by the late, great Arthur Beetson, would go on to include genuine Queensland greats like Gorden Tallis, Steve Renouf, Wendell Sailor, even South Sea Islander Mal Meninga.

But now?

Who do you reckon the little indigenous kid in Moree, Cobar, even Bowraville wants to be this morning?

Undoubtedly, it’s Mitchell.

Latrell Mitchell sure knows how to celebrate (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Latrell Mitchell of the Blues celebrates after scoring a try (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Has to be after a stunning game where no less than Maroons great Chris ‘Choppy’ Close listed his first half among the best of any Origin player — ever.

Honestly, the bloke brained ‘em.

First, it was his one-on-one strip that gave the Blues field position for their opening try, scored on the opposite side of the field by fellow Indigenous All Star Josh Addo-Carr.

Then, with 26 minutes gone, and Queensland attacking in the Blues quarter, the resurrected Blues centre grabbed himself an intercept and raced 86m to score.

All of which, by the break, had Choppy Close tweeting most likely with can of XXXX Gold in hand: “Latrell is absolutely smashing us everywhere. One of the best first halves for a player ever. Sadly for us …”

After missing Origin last year, Mitchell has now proved himself back in every sense.

By the end of this one, not only running for 155m, but also making five tackle busts and two offloads, while his great mate Foxx bagged himself a double, too.

Together, part of what no less than eighth Immortal Andrew Johns described as the greatest NSW back five ever.

Which again, is a tribute to Mitchell.

So too the man who resurrected him, coach Brad Fittler.

Only seven months ago, it was Freddy under fire.

More than simply losing to the 2020 Maroons – aka the worst Queensland team in 40 years – the coach was heavily criticised for several selections, including the omission of Ryan Papenhuyzen for the decider.

But this year, Freddy picked not only Mitchell, or Penrith Public Enemy No. 1 Jarome Luai, but that Mt Druitt pin ball Brian To’o.

All of them too, have paid the coach back in spades.

But no more so than the Rabbitohs No.1.

A kid who could convince even GI to become a Blue.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Panthers Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai turn attention to erasing premiership heartache