Penrith Panthers star Jarome Luai won’t be missing the 2022 NRL Grand Final after facing some baby drama in the lead up to the decider.
Luai’s partner Bailey Paris Toleafoa was pregnant with their third child when they decided to not risk the possibility of missing the contest.
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Toleafoa was induced on Monday with Luai showing off his daughter, Halo, to the world on his social media accounts.
Luai posted a photo to his Instagram account and uploaded a series of snaps to his Instagram story showing off the new addition to the family.
Newborn Halo joins Akira, 10 months, and Izzy, four.
“We said that if we were to make the grand final that she’d be induced on Monday,” Luai said.
“The baby was due on Tuesday but it all went to plan. She got induced when we planned and the baby came out at 2pm.
“They’re in hospital now, but I’ll go to hospital after training to pick them up and see how they’re doing. Hopefully, they get discharged this afternoon.
“I tried to stay on Monday but they kicked me out. I got home at midnight and I was checking on them every hour after that to see how they are.
“I hear that the baby is a little angel in there so I can’t wait to see her.”
Halo’s angelic presence is fitting given her name, which Luai says was inspired by one of the biggest artists in the world.
“It’s a Beyonce song and it’s heavenly,” he said.
“Hopefully, she grows up to be that way.”
Incredibly, Luai will line up against Parramatta’s Mitch Moses on Friday, with the Eels halfback becoming a father for the first time just last week.
Aspyn Moses was born hours before Parramatta’s preliminary final win over North Queensland, with Moses choosing to stay in Townsville to help get the Eels to the grand final with a win over the Cowboys.
There won’t be much time for pleasantries on Sunday, but Luai says he will dish out some fatherhood advice if his rival asks him.
“If he asks, then yeah, I’ll help him out,” he said.
“I know it’s his first child, so congrats to him and his partner. I’m sure it’s a very special moment for his family.”
– with Martin Gabor, NCA Newswire
