Jarome Luai, the dynamic playmaker of the Penrith Panthers, has reflected on his pivotal decision to remain with the club in 2018, calling it the best decision of his career.
As he celebrates his fourth NRL Premiership win with the Panthers and prepares to transition to the Wests Tigers in 2025, Luai looks back on the key moment that shaped his future in rugby league.
Luai’s final premiership celebrations with the Panthers will continue into Wednesday, where the team will connect with fans during an event at BlueBet Stadium.
However, the 27-year-old’s time with the Panthers is coming to a close as he readies himself for a new chapter with the Wests Tigers.
In 2018, Luai faced a tough career choice. With James Maloney signed to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves at Penrith, and several clubs, including South Sydney Rabbitohs, expressing strong interest in him, Luai was on the verge of leaving.
His family urged him to pursue better opportunities elsewhere, with Penrith keeping him in reserve grade at the time.
However, former Penrith general manager Phil Gould convinced the talented half to stay, encouraging him to be patient and learn from the experienced Maloney.
“Gus was the main one who convinced me,” Luai said. “He told me to bide my time, learn from Jimmy, and my opportunity would come. I’m so glad I stayed.”
That decision paid off as Luai and Cleary formed a halves combination that Andrew Johns, a rugby league legend, has labelled as the game’s greatest ever.
Since Maloney’s departure in 2019, Luai has flourished, leading the Panthers to four consecutive premierships.
Reflecting on his growth during Cleary’s injuries this year, Luai said, “It helped me grow a lot, and Nath trusted me when I took charge. We’ve evolved our game, and it has taken us to new heights.”
With his next step set at the Wests Tigers, Luai leaves behind a remarkable legacy at Penrith, confident that his decision to stay in 2018 was the best call of his life.
𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥!
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