How Jarome Luai overcame shoulder injury to help Panthers’ grand final charge

Jarome Luai’s immediate future was placed in jeopardy when he dislocated his shoulder on the eve of the finals, but the Panthers star had only one goal on his mind.

Panthers star Jarome Luai kicks the ball during the NRL preliminary final match between Penrith and Melbourne at Accor Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

Penrith superstar Jarome Luai has revealed that the backing of coach Ivan Cleary and an intense workout on Wednesday night gave him the confidence to complete a remarkable return in the Panthers’ preliminary final win over Melbourne.

Luai’s immediate future was placed in jeopardy when he dislocated his shoulder in the penultimate round of the regular season but he insists he never allowed doubt to enter his mind.

Even as medical experts warned he risked catastrophic injury by returning too soon, Luai kept the faith.

“Tell the doctor I’m built different brother,” Luai said after Penrith’s 38-4 win over the Storm.

“I didn’t really listen to the outside noise, there was always going to be a lot of that and I didn’t allow doubts to creep into my mind.

“I was always confident that I was going to be ready and put the work in. I’m really grateful for the physios and my family for the support, and for the coach’s blessing to make the call as well.

“I knew I could get the job done and I got the reps throughout the week and was happy with how it went.”

Jarome Luai completed a remarkable return form injury when he ran out for the Panthers in their preliminary final clash with Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

Luai was given an early mark in the win over the Storm but prior to his departure with 20 minutes remaining, he laid any lingering doubts to rest.

He finished the preliminary final with five runs for 22 metres and 14 tackles, the shoulder receiving a solid workout ahead of the club’s fourth grand final in as many years.

“To be honest I don’t think anyone in our camp had any doubts that he would be back,” halves partner Nathan Cleary said.

“I think the mind is a powerful thing. If you think positively good things can come from it and he showed that tonight.”

Luai revealed that he had arrived at Accor Stadium with his mind at ease after giving the shoulder a thorough workout at a training session on Wednesday night.

“I had a heavy session two nights before and I knew once I got through that I’d be sweet,” Luai said.

Jarome Luai put any doubts about his fitness to bed. Picture: Getty Images

“It was more proving to myself. I know I seem confident to everyone, but deep down I knew two nights ago that if I couldn’t get through that session and didn’t feel good then I had to drop my ego and put the team first.

“I came through the better side and knew I could get the job done. He (Ivan Cleary) left it in my hands, which is pretty cool from a coach coming into a prelim.

“At the end of the day, I’m grateful that he gave me the call based on how I felt and that’s what he was asking.

“He said I looked all right tackling — I don’t think I’m a good tackler on a good day. He gave me the confidence I needed and I knew I could get the job done.”

Luai more than held his own. He scythed down Marion Seve in the opening minutes and when he was isolated by the Storm, he handled everything that was thrown at him.

He now has another week to rest up and help the Panthers create history as they pursue a third premiership in succession, a feat no team has achieved in the NRL era.

Shoulder surgery may be on the agenda in the off-season. He also has his future to resolve as he prepares to enter the final year of his deal on November 1.

“It is (on the back burner) and I think it was important to make that call,” Luai said.

Jarome Luai more than held his own for the Panthers. Picture: Getty Images

“You don’t come by grand finals and you want to limit every distraction that you can.

“I’m fully focused on what I need to do for this next week and making sure my mind and body’s right.”

Luai wasn’t the only scare for the Panthers. Cleary was also rushed to hospital during the week after dislocating his finger at training, but insisted he was never in doubt.

“Bit of drama and a bit dramatic,” Cleary said.

“That was the first time I have done it so it was a bit weird. I don’t actually really know how it happened.

“It was just in a drill. I thought I jarred it, looked down and it was a bit bent. Went to hospital, got scans and they put it back in then.”

Originally published as How Jarome Luai overcame shoulder injury to help Panthers’ grand final charge