Reports: Superstar has cautioned Penrith’s NRL rivals that playing halfback in the absence of Nathan Cleary has given him…..Read more

Jarome Luai has cautioned Penrith’s NRL rivals that playing halfback in the absence of Nathan Cleary has given him confidence and helped him grow as a player. Cleary spent a long time on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, but he returned to lead his team to a thrilling golden point victory over the Dolphins last week, while Penrith coach Ivan Cleary rested Luai and the rest of his State of Origin heroes.

Luai and Cleary will be reunited in the halves when the three-time defending premiers face St George Illawarra on Sunday, with Luai returning to his usual No.6 position. The 27-year-old has thrived at halfback for the Panthers while Cleary has been sidelined, relishing the increased responsibility that comes with being the team’s primary playmaker.

The cunning No.6 carried his club confidence and success into the NSW State of Origin series, where he was a standout for the Blues. Luai’s kicking game has improved significantly in Cleary’s absence, and the Wests Tigers will be impressed with what they’ve seen from the 27-year-old, who will wear the No.7 jumper for Benji Marshall’s side next season.

Luai has caused more dropouts in the last four matches than he did in all of 2022 and 2023 combined, demonstrating how much his kicking game has improved since Cleary’s departure. And, while Luai admits his role will change once Cleary returns, the five-eighth believes the Panthers’ rising confidence makes them an even more dangerous proposition.

“With (Nathan) on board, our team’s dynamic changes significantly. “He’s our go-to guy,” Luai told AAP. “But the confidence I’ve gained while he’s away, I can definitely utilize to encourage him. I’m just very secure in my football at the moment, and I don’t want that to change. Coming into the game, I definitely want to be a weapon that clears some space for Nath.”

Cleary is a hero on his return, as the Panthers defeat the Dolphins in the golden point.Scroll back up to see the normal view.

Penrith’s coach mirrored his five-eighth’s comments, claiming Luai’s game has advanced to a new level in 2024, giving the already dangerous Panthers even more attacking options. “We’ve been working on simply evolving their combo for a few years. “Jarome’s experience at No. 7 will only help,” Ivan Cleary remarked. “Jarome has reached unprecedented heights this year in Nat’s absence. It’s just adapting, trying to give the opposition a fresh look and allow those two youngsters to get into positions where they’re most dangerous.”

Luai believes his Panthers teammates have stepped up in the absence of their inspirational halfback, making them a more fearsome squad heading into the playoffs. “I think everyone should have that mindset, to use their weapons to the best of their ability,” she said. “It frees up a large number of other participants. If I can instill the same confidence in my boys, it will be huge for us as we approach the finals.”