Any culture though needs different personality types. Edwards, Nathan, Yeo, Fish etc all lead by example, both on and off the field, but they are all reserved personality types. It’s why Luai will be a big loss off the field, he brings the ream together. And why he will be such an asset to the struggling Tigers team.
Even stoic Ivan values Luai’s personality and what he adds to their culture, it’s why he calls him their cultural architect and CEO, chief fun officer.
Nathan Cleary may be the superstar and face of the young Panthers but there is one player seen by the club as even more valuable on and off the field.
“‘Romy’ [Luai] is one of those guys who offers more than his own individual contribution,” Cleary told the Herald before Saturday’s opener against North Queensland.
Jarome Luai has been dubbed the “cultural architect” and “chief energy officer”, or “CEO”, of Penrith with coach Ivan Cleary saying the five-eighth “helps fit all the pieces together”.
“He’s our cultural architect in many ways, his energy and his ability help bring the group together. He’s probably annoying to other teams – he’s annoying to our guys sometimes as well – but he’s a really crucial piece to our team.”
Luai was the last of the club’s off-contract young stars to extend his deal. A three-year $2.1 million contract has tied him to the club until at least the end of 2024.
The playmaker, who is pushing to try and partner Cleary in the halves for NSW, said the “CEO” nickname was not one he had given himself but he still welcomed it.
“Yes, ‘chief energy officer’, I didn’t ask for it but it’s to do with the energy I have,” he said. “I try to be positive all the time and be happy. Even when we’re doing fitness, I love having that attitude of trying to attack the session. We don’t play footy forever, so you have to love what you do.”
Luai sprints from one end of the field to the far corner-post before every training session. Even when the mercury plummets in July and August at the foot of the mountains, he will tear down the field. He did likewise when brought into the Blues camp last year.