NRL 2024: How Jarome Luai, Jahrome Hughes are inspiring the next generation of Polynesian playmakers

When Jarome Luai made his debut there were just four starting playmakers of Polynesian descent in the NRL. Now that figure has doubled, as the likes of Luai inspire a generation of future stars.

Jarome Luai is one of several star Polynesian halves inspiring the next generation of talent. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

They’re the star halves that could inspire an entire generation – and no, it’s not Penrith co-captain Nathan Cleary and Melbourne five-eighth Cameron Munster.

But when Jarome Luai and Jahrome Hughes face off in a potential grand final preview on Thursday, they do so as the face of a growing list of Polynesian playmakers in the NRL.

When Luai made his first grade debut in May 2018, only four halves, led by Benji Marshall, playing that weekend were either from New Zealand, Samoa or Tonga.

Fast forward just six years and that number has more than doubled, with the clash between Luai and Hughes almost must-see viewing ahead of this year’s finals series.

Luai has fiercely represented his local area of Mt Druitt during Penrith’s three-year reign as premiers, but he, along with Hughes, are also foreshadowing a new force in the league.

Jarome Luai is one of several star Polynesian halves inspiring the next generation of talent. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“It’s definitely a motivating factor for ourselves to sort of do well in that role, and then obviously inspire the next generation,” Luai said this week.

“Just to see the boys coming through. Now, a lot of Poly halves out there.

“It’s pretty special to see.”

This weekend, Tongan youngster Isaiya Katoa will attempt to consolidate the Dolphins’ finals spot, while Samoan five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita will look to keep the Warriors’ alive.

Then there are the likes of Parramatta pair Dylan Brown and Blaize Talagi, the latter of whom is expected to step into Luai’s No.6 jumper when he arrives in Penrith next year.

While Luai is focused on helping more halves come through, Luai has also thrown his support behind a future Polynesian franchise.

Although he believes a combination team of all Polynesian islands might be unfairly talented, Luai feels the NRL would be tapping into a goldmine.

“I think Polynesians are a big part of our game right now, in terms of the NRL and population of NRL, and what it’s made up of. So, it’d be pretty smart to tap into,” Luai said.

When Laui made his NRL debut, Benji Marshall was one of just four starting Polynesian playmakers. Now that figure has doubled. Picture: AAP.

“That’d be pretty gangster to see that, sort of just island nations coming together to, I guess, create a team. I don’t know if it’ll be a fair combination.”

For now, Luai is focused on a fairytale finish to his time at Penrith.

Facing the top-of-the-table Storm, Luai’s teammate Nathan Cleary believes this weekend’s battle will feature the best five-eighths in the competition.

Both Cleary and Munster are considered Australia’s first-choice halves pairing, and the pair grew close during the Kangaroos’ World Cup win in 2023.

But he couldn’t separate his international teammate to his clubmate.

“He’s a natural at everything he does. He’s pretty arsey too. A bit like Jarome actually, very similar,” Cleary said of Munster.

“They’re charismatic, bring a lot of energy, and do a lot of things that no one else can do.

“Him and Romey are right at the top of the number sixes in the comp.

“Him and Romey are the same. It doesn’t matter how much footy they’ve played; once they’re on the big stage, the best comes out of them.”

Luai has also thrown his support behind a future Polynesian franchise. Picture: Getty Images

Of his possible partnership with Talagi next year, Cleary said: “He’s a gun. He probably surprised me a bit, how strong he was as well (last week).

“Doing what he’s doing at 19 years of age and it seems like he’s getting better every week. “He’s obviously got that confidence and that sort of hardness about him to be able to play in different positions.

“Yeah, it’s a long way away but any time you can get someone like that, with his talent it’s exciting. I’m going to enjoy this last period with Romey and make the most of it.”