‘It will start to affect you if it affects your family’: Jarome Luai opens up on constant abuse,

Jarome Luai would rock up to training with a smile on his face after copping it from fans and the media. But as he explains, even he has his limits.

Jarome Luai faces one of the toughest challenges of his career in the State of Origin series opener. Picture: NRL Photos

Jarome Luai has learnt how to brush off criticism from rival fans, the media and even super coach Wayne Bennett, but the Blues five-eighth says it was a different feeling when the constant attacks started to affect his young family.

The two-time premiership winner has always worn his heart on his sleeve and is one of the most combative players in rugby league, but his demeanour off the field is completely different with few NRL stars as humble as the Penrith playmaker.

Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai share a special bond on and off the field, which is why Blues coach Brad Fittler stayed loyal to his halves. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Luai says he was that “annoying kid in class at school” and not much has changed since then, but his antics on the field have rubbed some people the wrong way given he doesn’t act how they would like.

He’s handled the criticism better than most would, but halves partner Nathan Cleary says the personal attacks and questions about his place in Origin took a toll on Luai’s family.

“He came into training with the same energy every day, and that’s a credit to him that he didn’t let it get to him,” the NSW halfback said.

“There were times there when his family read the comments and they obviously weren’t too happy with it, but in terms of him, he didn’t change.”

Luai was touched when told about Cleary’s comments, but it didn’t surprise him given his halves partner has been his loudest supporter.

Cleary and Luai have played together since their junior days, with the pair combining for two consecutive NRL titles. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“He’s been through it all with me with the ups and downs,” he said.

“He’s been in similar shoes where he’s been the centre of attention, so he knows how to deal with it. He gave me some good advice, and it’s great to have someone like that in your corner.

“I think it was an educational moment on my behalf for them (Luai’s family).

“No comment or quote will ever affect me, but it will start to affect you if it affects your family.

“To educate them about how to deal with that and handle criticism is pretty key for me and my family. They’re all good now, and it comes down to the learning process along the way.”

The latest attacks on Luai came after he was fined for touching sideline official Chris Sutton during last week’s win over the Broncos, with some people calling for him to be suspended.

Even Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett weighed in on the matter when he questioned whether Felise Kaufusi should be banned given Luai wasn’t.

Luai never thought he’d miss the Origin opener as a result of what happened, but doubt did creep in as the calls grew louder for the game to take a stand against players touching officials.

Luai says he apologised to Sutton immediately and never meant to make contact.

“After all the chat, you start to get a bit worried because people were saying that they were going to use past experiences (to charge me),” he said.

“My intention was never to be angry with him or anything like that, it was just to celebrate with my brother after the try. I got fined, so I’ll be broke for a month.

“I told them to take it out of Nath’s pay because he wouldn’t notice it.

“I love Wayne. I was laughing when I heard it. He’s definitely got some good humour. I haven’t had much to do with Wayne Bennett, but everyone who has been coached by him says he’s awesome. Maybe one day I’ll get that privilege.”

For now, he has the privilege of playing under Brad Fittler despite speculation that he would be dropped in favour of Nicho Hynes.

Luai put that debate to bed with several assists and a try of his own in Penrith’s big win over the Roosters, prompting Cleary to slam his teammate’s critics in an interview that night.

Cleary and Luai know each other’s games inside out, which is why the Panthers halves were the logical choice to be picked again as they look to atone for last year’s series defeat.

Nicho Hynes earnt a spot on the bench but wasn’t able to force his way into the halves. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“I was never in any doubt that he was the guy to partner me, but it’s not like I was thinking about it every day,” Cleary said.

“It (the criticism) was one of those things that caught fire where everyone wanted to talk about it every week. I think he handled it really well to come out and play great footy, and he’s proven that he can do that in big games.

“You only have to go back six months to what he did for Samoa at the World Cup. I thought he was just about the best player in the whole tournament, and people are quick to forget that.”

Originally published as ‘It will start to affect you if it affects your family’: Jarome Luai opens up on constant abuse,