Nathan Cleary’s next evolution will be without trusted halves partner Jarome Luai

Penrith are facing a future without five-eighth Jarome Luai and his trademark plays down their left edge. How much will his possible exit impact their star captain Nathan Cleary?

Nathan Cleary’s dramatic grand final-winning try that sealed Penrith’s threepeat is already being remembered as one of the greatest in rugby league history.

But was it also a sign of things to come?

Even before Jarome Luai entered the Christmas break still mulling a $6m offer from the Wests Tigers, plans were already underway for Cleary’s life without his long-time halves partner.

For most of the Panthers’ dynasty, the foundation for their attack has been with Cleary stationed primarily on the right and Luai patrolling the left.

However in each of their final five games of the season – including three finals matches – the Penrith no. 7 was instrumental in tries down his non-traditional edge.

Including the one where he was standing on the left flank and beat four Brisbane defenders to complete the biggest comeback in grand final history.

Cleary admitted the Panthers brain trust had tinkered with their attack last season, with Luai and back-up playmaker Jack Cogger often standing at first receiver.

It allowed Cleary to roam both edges.

Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai celebrate their 2023 grand final win. Credit: NRL Imagery

“I quite enjoyed it. I like floating around and doing different things,” he said.

“Obviously when ‘Romey’ was injured, me and ‘Cogs’ were able to do that. He’s more of a natural seven like me. We were chopping and changing who was going where, which was good.”

Their late-season success could pave the way for more exploration in their quest for fourth straight title, whether or not Luai leaves the foot of the mountains.

It could also be the next step for Cleary, a subtle evolution in his game that would only enhance his standing as one of the best playmakers of the modern era.

While Luai is expected to complete the final year of his current deal next season, the Panthers have a number of options to play in the halves in 2024 and beyond.

Former Canberra halfback Brad Schneider has arrived on a two-year deal, youngster Jack Cole is signed until 2026, while Daine Laurie has returned for one season.

Cleary has also been impressed by new centre Paul Alamoti from Canterbury.

“They’d obviously been back for a couple of weeks before (the grand final squad) got back. But they’re all fit and going really well,” Cleary said.

Youngsters Paul Alamoti and Daine Laurie. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“Brad Schneider came in as well. Good to see Daineo back, I’ve never seen him so happy. He’s got a smile on his face constantly, so it’s good to see.

“Paul Alamoti, I haven’t had much to do with him. I’ve (played against) him a couple of times but he’s super impressive too. Sometimes you forget he’s only 19, it’s pretty crazy.

“It’s really exciting to have those new guys, along with a lot of young guys coming in too and doing their first pre-season. It’s cool, it’s good energy around already.”

The Penrith skipper said the team will focus more on their attack once they return from their Christmas break, having completed their final training session on Wednesday.

“We haven’t spoken about it too much going into the future,” he said.

“At the moment, we’re just getting back into training and haven’t spoken too much about how we want to play, or our structure. That’ll come in the new year when all the boys are back.

“I enjoyed it. We’ll see what happens.”