LUAI’S BIG MOMENT AMID CRUNCH BACKLINE CALL
Jarome Luai once again gets his time to shine, wearing the No.7 jersey for the Panthers in the absence of Nathan Cleary after he suffered a shoulder injury.
Luai was excellent as the club’s chief playmaker whilst his halves partner recovered from a hamstring injury and Tigers and Panthers fans alike will be hoping this next period is no different.
For Ivan Cleary’s side, who are all but locked into the top four, Luai’s move is a positive, giving him confidence moving into the finals period.
For Benji Marshall, his marquee signing gets another chance to lead a team around the park.
It’s been an excellent season so far for Luai, who many believed could have played his final Origin game last year, before he was called upon by Michael Maguire.
Luai then forged a strong partnership with Mitchell Moses to secure back-to-back Origin wins and take the Origin shield.
If there’s anyone the Panthers want wearing the No.7, it’s Luai and as such Brad Schneider has been named in the No.6.
Meanwhile, Paul Alamoti’s inclusion on the extended bench could prove a major headache for Cleary.
He’s already dropped Suniva Turuva in place of Daine Laurie, who was simply excellent during his time at fullback.
Alamoti is nearing a return from a broken arm and was one of Cleary’s first choice outside backs whilst fit.
Casey McLean could find himself out of the side or potentially shifting to the wing if Laurie is the man to make way. He could also slot onto the bench as a utility.
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