Jarome Luai won’t back down in his return to the Origin arena with his Blues brothers

Jarome Luai completed his first training session for NSW ahead of game two - and you would never have known the Tigers co-captain had ever been missing, writes Michael Carayannis.

Jarome Luai knows he is ready for whatever comes his way on Wednesday night.

“I’ve got that dog in me bra,” Luai said. “I don’t back down from anyone. That’s what Origin is about. Showing your connection with your brothers out there.

“The arena doesn’t get any bigger than Origin. I am ready to go to battle with my brothers.

“I don’t think it’s about hating them. It’s about loving to play with these guys. The big advantage for me is playing with these guys again. I am full energy.”

Luai is back as a Blue after being overlooked for game one. A Mitchell Moses calf injury led to Luai’s dramatic call-up to an arena where he has tasted plenty of success already.

Jarome Luai is excited to be back in Blue. Picture: Getty Images

The 10-game Origin player took to the training field for the first time on Saturday morning alongside former Penrith teammate Brian To’o.

To’o had been in doubt with a hamstring issue but got through his paces with standby player Jacob Kiraz not even on hand, such was the Blues’ confidence in Luai getting through.

While To’o was cleared to take his place on Wednesday, all eyes will again be on Luai.

“(This was my) second time being dropped now,” Luai said.

“I took this one a lot better than I did the first time round.

“You get more perspective about what Origin is about. We have plenty of depth in this jersey. It’s a good problem to have.”

Luai told Laurie Daley he would be ready at any time this series when the Blues coach informed him he would not be picked in game one.

Luai just didn’t think it would game in game two.

“I knew that this isn’t my jersey to keep forever,” Luai said.

“There is always someone there that’s ready. It was Moey’s (Moses’) go. I was supportive of that but I said (to Daley) just in case I would be ready if you need me.

“A lot can happy in a week in rugby league.

“I’m here to do a good job for Moey, the boys and the state.”

Luai watched and supported NSW in the opener but deep down he knew where he wanted to be. He is reunited with not only a stack of former Blues players but a host of ex-Panthers teammates including long-term halves partner Nathan Cleary.

Zac Lomax and Jarome Luai share a laugh during a NSW Blues State of Origin training session. Picture: Getty Images

“It’s good to feel the energy,” Luai said. “I woke up (on Saturday morning) and dialled in. I messaged the missus, I have a new perspective that I need to enjoy every moment because you don’t know when the last time will be when you wear the jersey.

“Nail every day and do your best. Do your best to bring that shield home.

“Watching the boys run out and you hear the crowd you know what they are feeling and you envy that. They are your brothers and you’ve made a lot of memories with them.

“You’re a New South Welshmen so you want them to get the job done.

“I wanted to be there in that jersey. I am so happy the boys got the job done. They went after it but strange with the way things have happened. I get the opportunity now.”

Originally published as Jarome Luai won’t back down in his return to the Origin arena with his Blues brothers