If you wanted a reminder of what NSW gain from the inclusion of Jarome Luai into their Origin squad, you only had to watch – and listen – to his comeback training session on Saturday morning.
Luai has become a major presence in the game and looked right at home as he joined the Blues at NSWRL’s Sydney Olympic Park headquarters, less than 48 hours after answering an SOS to replace the injured Mitchell Moses.
While Moses has a superior long kicking game, Luai has the on-field chemistry with former Penrith halves partner Nathan Cleary – and several other Panthers – and a confidence that has always got under the skin of the Maroons.
When you ask Luai what he thinks he adds to the Blues, the 28-year-old is quick to reply: “I’ve got that dog in me, bra – I don’t back down from anyone. And that’s what Origin is about.
“It’s about showing your connection with your brothers out there. They’re the ones you’re fighting with in battle. The arena doesn’t get any bigger than Origin. I am ready to go to battle with my brothers.”
With Cleary injured for last year’s series, Luai and Moses steered NSW to an impressive series win from 1-0 down.
Back together: Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai at NSW Blues training on Saturday.Credit: Jessaica Hromas/SMH
Luai said he was proud but envious when he watched Moses and Cleary lead NSW to victory in game one at Suncorp Stadium almost three weeks ago.
“Watching the boys run out, you hear the crowd, you know what they are feeling, and you envy that,” Luai said.
“They are your brothers, you’ve made a lot of memories with them. You’re a New South Welshmen, so you want them to get the job done. I wanted to be there in that jersey. I am so happy the boys got the job done. They really went after it … now I get my opportunity.”
Brian To’o goes through his paces on Saturday morning.Credit: Jessica Hromas/SMH
Luai was dropped for game three in the 2023 series, and overlooked again this year despite his key role in last year’s winning side. The double rejection had only made the Wests Tigers co-captain appreciate every game he now played in the sky blue.
“It’s good to feel the energy, I woke up this morning and dialled in,” he said.
“I messaged the missus [Bailey], and said my perspective now is to make the most of every moment, [because] you never know when it will be the last time you wear the jersey. You need to nail every day and do your best; you need to do your best and bring that shield home.”
Blues winger Brian To’o had his hamstring heavily strapped but was able to complete training against the NSW Origin under-19s side. NSW medical staff are expecting him to play in Perth, and did not even bother having back-up winger Jacob Kiraz at Sydney Olympic Park on stand-by.
Zac Lomax was naturally disappointed for his Parramatta teammate Moses, who is now facing up to six weeks out with a calf injury, but praised Luai for giving all those around him plenty of confidence.
“Jarome is that guy who plays so instinctively and plays what’s in front of him – he’s really passionate as well,” Lomax said. “Jarome has a lot of confidence, and that’s why he’s had the success he’s had as a player. That’s what we love about him. He brings that confidence to his teammates as well.”
The Blues flew west late on Saturday, have a rest day on Sunday and will resume preparations on Monday.
Eels facing halves crisis after Moses blow
The loss of Mitchell Moses to a calf injury the next six weeks – and the suspension to Dylan Brown for shoving a referee – has heaped pressure on Parramatta ahead of next Sunday’s possible Spoon Bowl against the Gold Coast Titans.
The Eels lost Brown to a one-match suspension after he ran into the back of Gerard Sutton while chasing after a kick in the first half against Canterbury on Easter Monday.
Zac Lomax fronts the media on SaturdayCredit: Jessica Hromas/SMH
And when Moses went down with a calf injury at Blues’ training on Thursday, it suddenly meant Parramatta would be without their starting halves for at least one game.
The Titans win over Manly on Friday night meant they moved to 12 points, alongside the Eels and Newcastle Knights on the ladder. To be fair to Parramatta, only four points separates sixth to 17th.
But the last thing Parramatta need is to stall after starting to make some drastic improvements on the field, especially once Moses returned from a foot injury.
Coach Jason Ryles has Dean Hawkins, Ronnie Volkman and 20-year-old rookie Joash Papalii as halves options. Dylan Walker is also no stranger to wearing the No. 6.
Zac Lomax was naturally disappointed to see his good friend Moses break down at training in the Blue Mountains on Thursday, but was backing his club to continue marching forward.
Lomax admitted earlier in the week Brown was unfortunate to have been suspended for his run-in with Sutton, and that “I watched that replay, and I don’t know how you can run around [the ref]; I know when I’m going for the ball, my eyes are always on the footy … it’s a tough one.”
As for the double halves blow, Lomax said: “Dean Hawkins has been there, and the game he played [agaionst Manly] before Mitch came back, he was unbelievable. With Dyl out, Ronnie Volkman is there, and we’ve got Joash.
“It’s not ideal with both of them out, but that’s where your depth comes in, and you have to make it work.
“Joash is a really good player, he’s light on his feet, and whenever we do opposed sessions, and he’s in the Cup team, he trains really well. He’s earned his way into the 17, and ‘Rylsey’ believes in him. He’ll be a really good player.”
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