‘We sort of had enough of him’: Panthers call out JWH as young wrecking ball enhances State of Origin claims

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Spencer Leniu will be teammates next year, but don’t expect them to speak before then after one of the most heated moments of 2023.

Panthers players weren’t happy with what Jared Waerea-Hargreaves said on Saturday night, as Spencer Leniu showed he’s ready for a State of Origin debut. Picture; Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Panthers star Jarome Luai has lit the fuse for a potential rematch with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, saying he and his teammates “had enough of him” after a number of controversial incidents on Saturday night.

The Roosters veteran was involved in everything during a heated second half as the Panthers ran out 30-6 winners to join Brisbane at the top of the table.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was in the thick of it against Penrith and was sent to the sin bin for a heated exchange with Spencer Leniu. Picture; Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Waerea-Hargreaves played like a man on a mission against Penrith’s younger pack, but Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said the veteran prop took it too far.

That included a sickening moment when his elbow caught Moses Leota in the head and drew blood before he was forced from the field for a head injury assessment.

That was just the start of it with the old bull involved in one of the most heated exchanges of 2023 when he sprayed water at Spencer Leniu and then threw a bottle at the man who will be joining him at the Roosters next year.

Leniu had to be held back by teammates as he launched a verbal tirade at the Roosters star that included an invitation to settle things in the carpark as both men were sent to the sent bin, but not before the young buck then gave it to the crowd.

Things could get awkward in 2024 with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Spencer Leniu set to be teammates at the Roosters next year. Picture; Jason McCawley/Getty Images

“It started from Jared. He was looking for trouble. That was obvious. And he found it,” Cleary said, adamant his young prop did nothing wrong.

“There were numerous incidents, and I think the balance of probability was that Jared was the one initiating it.”

While Waerea-Hargreaves is happy to play the role of villain on the field to inspire his side, Panthers players thought he crossed the line with some of his comments after his elbow caught Leota in the head.

Panthers players weren’t happy with what Waerea-Hargreaves said after his elbow forced Moses Leota from the field. Picture; Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

“He had a fair bit to say, especially after the elbow which ticked us all off,” Luai revealed.

“I think that was just a buildup of frustration because he had a bit to say after his elbows. I understand what happens on the field stays on the field, but there has to be a line in the sand.

“We sort of had enough of him.

‘Spenny’ is going there next year so it might be a bit awkward. That’s footy. That’s the heat of the battle stuff. What happens on the field stays on the field.

“Everyone knows what I’m like – we love that stuff.”

Roosters coach Trent Robinson said the confrontation was good for the game, and if that’s the case then Leniu might have just punched his ticket to Brisbane for game two of the State of Origin series.

The Panthers wrecking ball wasn’t considered for the series opener after he ruptured a testicle at training, but his willingness to stand up to anybody from the opposition has him in the mix for a Blues debut.

Leniu has been one of the best bench props in the NRL and is in the mix to earn an Origin debut. Picture; Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“He’s a smart footballer. I know he’s a front-rower, but he’s got some brains in that head,” Luai said.

“I hope he’s in the conversation because everyone knows what he brings. He’s got that fireball energy, and when he’s out there he can change the momentum.

“He’s been doing this consistently this year. If he’s handed an opportunity then he’ll relish being in that arena. He’s built for it.”

Leniu would have plenty of Panthers mates in the squad including Luai who hasn’t spoken with NSW coach Brad Fittler about whether he’ll keep the No.6 jersey.

There was a theory he would be dropped given halves partner Nathan Cleary is out of the series with a hamstring injury, but another strong showing against the Roosters means Luai should be one of the first players picked.

Jarome Luai should keep his Blues jersey after another strong showing for the Panthers. Picture; Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“I thought Jarome was excellent,” Cleary said after his five-eighth stood tall with two try assists.

“I don’t think his position ever should have been in doubt. You could just feel that he needed to play well. He’s always been able to do that. The bigger the game, ‘Romey’ normally goes well.”

Originally published as ‘We sort of had enough of him’: Panthers call out JWH as young wrecking ball enhances State of Origin claims