Jarome Luai reveals disappointment, vows to be better after omission from NSW team for State of Origin Game 1

A fixture in the Blues’ series-winning side last season, Jarome Luai has expressed his disappointment over his omission from the NSW side, revealing the call that confirmed the news moments after the Tigers’ loss to the Rabbitohs.

A disappointed Jarome Luai has vowed to get better – and not bitter – over his omission from the NSW side for the opening game of the State of Origin series.

Luai, a fixture in the Blues’ series-winning side last season, lost the No.6 jersey to Parramatta playmaker Mitchell Moses when Laurie Daley unveiled his squad for Origin I on Sunday night.

He received the news directly from Daley via a phone call only moments after the Wests Tigers were beaten by South Sydney at Campbelltown Stadium.

“Disappointed – and I think if I wasn’t I would probably be scared,” Luai said.

“I am disappointed because I know what I am missing out on. But I’m probably still more disappointed about the result tonight.

“I am in control of the selection at the end of the day. Looking at my form and way I have been playing, I know I can be better.

Jarome Luai has revealed his disappointment over missing Blues selection. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“It is just about owning that now and moving forward. At the end of the day just be a man about it all.”

Asked about the phone call with Daley, Luai said: “It was all right. It was straight forward. I heard what I needed to hear and I am content with it because I know I am in control of the selection at the end of the day.

“I am still figuring out what my best is here so I am looking forward to that process and I have a bit of work to do on my game.

“He just said I’m going to leave you out of game one, and stay ready. Which I will be. I am going to use this time to refresh.

“We have the bye now. Refresh, reset and just keep working on my game. It is probably a bit of a mental thing right now where I can get better.

“I will link up with some of the boys and see where I can get better for my team.”

Luai almost helped orchestrate a second-half comeback against the Rabbitohs on Sunday night as the Tigers missed the opportunity to get back in the top eight.

Life wasn’t always going to run smoothly at a new club but the Tigers have been on an upward curve since Luai’s arrival.

Still, it wasn’t enough to convince Daley to name Luai ahead of Moses to partner Nathan Cleary at Suncorp Stadium.

“We are building something here,” Luai said.

“Everyone can see it and everyone can feel it. Everyone in our four walls can feel it as well. It’s all part of the journey and we’re going to find a way.”

Originally published as Jarome Luai reveals disappointment, vows to be better after omission from NSW team for State of Origin Game 1