‘Immediate regret’: Questions arise over Jarome Luai referee push

Incumbent NSW and Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai has appeared to push the touch judge, the last thing he needs before Origin teams are named.

It was immediate regret from Luai. Photo: Fox Sports

Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai could have landed himself in hot water on the eve of the Origin sides being named after appearing to shove touch judge Chris Sutton.

The Panthers scored first in their clash against the Brisbane Broncos when Sunia Turuva scored in the corner 12th minute of the match.

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The try itself was somewhat controversial as Broncos fans called for a double movement.

But as Sutton came in to give his take on proceedings, Turuva walked in front of Luai.

Appearing to try to get to his teammate to celebrate, Luai pushed Sutton out of the way but immediately regretted his actions.

Luai attempted to clear the air over the incident after the match, suggesting he didn’t realise Sutton was a referee as he was celebrating.

“I was just trying to celebrate a try with a bro and I didn’t realise it was the touchie until I did it,” Luai told AAP.

“I spoke to him straight away and said, ‘I didn’t know it was you’. I wasn’t really looking. My headlights weren’t on. I apologised ... and we are sweet.

It’s unknown whether that will matter with the Match Review Committee bound to look at the incident.

Luai only had eyes for his teammate. Photo: Fox Sports

Luai could be in hot water. Photo: Fox Sports

Sutton wasn't pleased. Photo: Fox Sports

Charges have been inconsistent over the years with some players charged for touching a referee to ask a question, while others have escaped scot-free.

However, it is a huge no-no for players at any level.

CODE Sports’ Lachlan McKirdy tweeted: “Why did Jarome Luai push the touch judge. Immediate regret when he realised what he’d done.”

He added: “Common sense says he was just trying to get through to celebrate with Turuva. But I guess we’ll find out in the morning.”

Luai should be in trouble for that.. deadset just pushed the touch judge for no reason. #NRLBroncosPanthers

— Rugby League News (@RugbyLeagueNews) May 18, 2023

Luai is such a grub, he’s so used to shoving people that he just pushed the touch judge… lol
#NRLBroncosPanthers

— Todd Van Steensel (@toddvs35) May 18, 2023

The incident comes at the worst time for Luai who is seemingly in a battle to retain his No. 6 jersey for the NSW Blues in State of Origin.

Dally M Medalist Nicho Hynes has been breathing down Luai’s neck and the two are widely considered to be in a shootout for the role, while Cody Walker could also still be a smokie.

Luai had his best performance of the season last week in a timely reminder of what the two-time premiership winner can do.