‘Ready to be a leader’: Luai relishing steering Cleary-less Blues

Jarome Luai says he is relishing the prospect of being a Blues leader in the absence of Penrith teammate Nathan Cleary in a must-win State of Origin game at Suncorp Stadium.

Luai, six games into his interstate career, will play alongside Mitchell Moses in the halves for the first time next Wednesday. The pair regularly mark up on each other during club games and must now combine to thwart the halves pairing of Daly Cherry-Evans and Cameron Munster to set up a decider.

After naming his NSW side, coach Brad Fittler challenged Luai to own the interstate arena, declaring: “It’s a great challenge and I reckon it’s time.”

It was music to the Penrith playmaker’s ears.

“It’s pretty good to hear, to have that faith from Freddy,” Luai said. “I’ve had about six games in Origin; I can definitely handle that responsibility and take on more of a leadership role with the boys.

“It’s pretty surreal to me still that the boys look to me as a leader in an Origin II; it’s something I thought would never happen.

“I’m pretty happy. I love it, it would be a boost to anyone’s confidence. I’m just really happy that someone like Freddy has got that faith in me.

“I’m going to do whatever I can to go out there on Wednesday night and repay that faith for him.”

The Panthers have proven they can win without Cleary, notching wins in 10 of the past 12 games where the halfback was unavailable. Luai feels he is at a point in his career where he can get the job done regardless of who is playing alongside him.

“I’ve got confidence no matter what, bra,” he said.

“No matter who I am out there with, I know what I can do and what I can bring to a team. I’m always backing myself, no matter what.

“It’s a massive opportunity for all of us to create history, do something that has never been done before. It’s pretty cool.

“In terms of dominating, that’s not in my thoughts at the moment. It’s just about winning an Origin series, not so much to dominate it. It’s about doing what I have to do for the team to play well. That’s the thing that’s on my mind.”

Luai’s Penrith teammates have seen him mature into a leader in recent years.

“I’ve probably seen him rise to the occasion in a similar position without Clez [Cleary],” said Panthers and Blues winger Brian To’o.

“He took a lot of ownership in the Samoa camp leading us boys. I know that he’s definitely in good hands with Mitchell Moses and I believe they can both build the combination together.

“It’s pretty mad [Penrith and Parramatta halves combining]. Mitchell Moses can definitely get the job done and I’m looking forward to seeing him showcase his skills.”

Luai, 26, feels like he is in the prime of his career.

“I’m happy with the way I’m playing,” Luai said.

“That just comes down to [how I feel] mentally, game planning, knowing what you have to do at certain times.

“I’m just really clear on my role and what I’m good at. I know what I can do for this team as well.

“Things happen, the team changes around you a bit, but I think if you are clear in your role and know what you’re good at, you can do that with anyone.

“I’m pretty clear on that.”

With Adam Pengilly

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