Panthers skipper Isaah Yeo has thrown his support behind teammate Jarome Luai after the gun playmaker’s turbulent 2022 season saw him painted as one of the NRL’s biggest villains.
The 26-year-old was at the centre of multiple controversies both on and off the field, including a best man speech at Brian To’o’s wedding.
The representative five-eighth apologised in the aftermath of the speech and said he was “ashamed” for “embarrassing” To’o’s family.
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Luai also copped criticism for standing over Selwyn Cobbo during State of Origin before he said he didn’t realise the Broncos winger was knocked out.
All of these moments combined have resulted in Luai becoming one of rugby league’s most scrutinised and maligned players.
But Yeo believes there isn’t a member of the NRL fraternity who does more for the community in his home town of Mt Druitt and in Panthers territory.
“He’s just authentic, whatever you see, that’s how he is on the field,” Yeo said to foxsports.com.au.
“At the same time, there’s no one who is better in the community, no one who does so much for the Penrith community, the Mt Druitt community.
“A family man, and it has been off the back of success as well.”
The Panthers have also been the most dominant team over the last three years in the NRL, appearing in three grand finals and winning back-to-back premierships.
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The spotlight is always cast on the competition’s elite, and Luai has been one of Penrith’s most important cogs in the juggernaut at the foot of the mountain.
Luai won an Origin series in 2021 and steered Samoa to a World Cup final in England last year to go with his impressive club resume.
All of these achievements add to the character that is Jarome Luai and Yeo believes his “authenticity” on the field is “good for the game”.
“If we aren’t winning and having so much success, we aren’t spoken about as much,” Yeo said.
“The success he has had, not just in club-land, he’s won an origin series and helped take Samoa to the final of the World Cup.
“I thought he was one of the players of the tournament, no one likes to see players at the top, especially when they do things a bit differently on the field.
“But he’s authentic and I feel like that is good for the game.”
The Panthers kick-off their pre-season challenge against the Eels at BlueBet Stadium on Saturday night 6pm AEDT.
While Luai isn’t taking part in the clash, Zac Hosking, who is a chance of lining up on the left edge alongside the gun five-eighth, will feature.
Luai will be keeping a close eye on the Broncos recruit ahead of the club’s second pre-season clash, the World Club Challenge against St Helens.
The Panthers now have the chance to complete their trophy cabinet after a number of dominant seasons, with the country vs country showcase being cancelled in recent years due to Covid.
