Penrith star Jerome Luai reveals reason behind daughter’s angelic name

There wasn’t going to be any pregnancy panic for a Panthers star this week as he welcomed a third child before the NRL grand final.

Jarome Luai is a dad again. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai has revealed he and his partner had decided to take all the stress out of grand final week with the early arrival of their third child on Monday afternoon.

As he detailed the background behind his daughter’s name, Luai said it was important for life to be as normal as possible in the biggest week of the year.

Halo Luai was born on Monday, and the Panthers star said that was always the plan if Penrith made it through to Sunday’s decider.

“We said that if we were to make the grand final that she’d be induced on Monday,” Luai said.

“The baby was due on Tuesday but it all went to plan. She got induced when we planned and the baby came out at 2pm.

“They’re in hospital now, but I’ll go to hospital after training to pick them up and see how they’re doing. Hopefully, they get discharged this afternoon.

Baby daughter Halo has added to a big week for Panthers star Jarome Luai. Picture: Instagram

“I tried to stay on Monday but they kicked me out. I got home at midnight and I was checking on them every hour after that to see how they are.

“I hear that the baby is a little angel in there so I can’t wait to see her.”

Halo’s angelic presence is fitting given her name, which Luai says was inspired by one of the biggest artists in the world.

“It’s a Beyonce song and it’s heavenly,” he said.

“Hopefully, she grows up to be that way.”

Luai was back at training on Tuesday. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Incredibly, Luai will line up against Parramatta’s Mitch Moses on Friday, with the Eels halfback becoming a father for the first time just last week.

Aspyn Moses was born hours before Parramatta’s preliminary final win over North Queensland, with Moses choosing to stay in Townsville to help get the Eels to the grand final with a win over the Cowboys.

There won’t be much time for pleasantries on Sunday, but Luai says he will dish out some fatherhood advice if his rival asks him.

“If he asks, then yeah, I’ll help him out,” he said.

“I know it’s his first child, so congrats to him and his partner. I’m sure it’s a very special moment for his family.”