Brad Fittler has backed Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary’s ability to perform on the big stage, claiming they have already proven they can do it at Penrith.
How Penrith’s halves are able to adapt the Panthers’ game to the State of Origin arena shapes as the biggest question to determine the fate of the opener.
No players have had more written or said about them in the lead-up to the Townsville clash, with all eyes to again be on them on Wednesday night.
The pair have won an incredible 46 of 48 games in the halves together since entering under-20s in 2015, including 11 straight to start the year at Penrith.
However the one thing they are yet to do together is a lift a trophy, with last year’s grand final defeat to Melbourne the most notable loss.
Cleary is at least one of the most capped players in NSW’s team, with his eight Origins making him the fifth most experienced player in the team at the age of 23.
But 24-year-old Luai is a rookie on the big stage, acting as part of NSW’s squad last year without playing a game.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
In comparison, rival halves Daly Cherry-Evans and Cameron Munster have 23 Origins between them and both are premiership winners.
“It definitely is a step up in level. But he (Luai) seems to have the courage when he plays for Penrith to play under pressure,” Fittler said.
“It’s one thing Nathan and Jarome do very well, when the pressure is on they seem to get better.
“State of Origin is all about that.
“When it’s challenging and tough that’s when you stand up and show your courage. When it’s easy, both teams are good enough to do that.”
Luai was one of three Panthers to have his maiden NSW jersey presented to him by family at a team function on Sunday night in Sydney.
He also had his son Israel celebrate his third birthday in camp, cutting the cake with Fittler before the team left for Townsville.
“It was very emotional and a great night for the team,” Fittler said.
“Sometimes you need to go and speak to families and what it means to me.
“Once you’re in the bubble everything is so intense and the preparation is so serious. It was nice to see the families and get their feels for it.”
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
That was my big concern picking 3 FB,fortunately they left Gutho off the Bench
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! Kicking game is vital. And the other thing that concerns a little is that there are a bunch of "stars" that like to back up around the ruck ( Teddy, Turbo, Cooky, Cleary) , hopefully they don't trip over each other ??
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Albo ,I too am confident Cleary n Luai will handle it , providing they don’t try an over play there hands.They have a lot of very talented players outside them, they just need to feed them and not try and score off every 2nd play.To me there main function is there kicking game- getting good field position, letting our mobile men put the pressure on the Toads to cough it up .
Joey
Guest
Maybe was talking about the pressure in the Home/Away PrelimFinal at Panthers /ANZ stadium ? That was a tough win. Made look a lot closer by the NFL touchdowns at the end given special effects by the bunker to look like tries. One more and Souths were headed to the SuperBowl. So Luai definitely helped get to the big dance last year, but then looked like he had packed wooden clogs in his kit by mistake (imo). Played a much quieter role, when I thought he would continue the spiders-on-me stuff he’d been supplying all year. I have a feeling though, he has learnt from that one. Remember Cleary Luai Yeo To’o Martin and Koroisau didn’t play Tigers so are still all unbeaten this year.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I've no doubt we will see some "big stage" pressure tomorrow night in Townsville, Nat . I am looking forward to the big test for my Panther boys. I am quietly confident, they will make the grade.
Nat
Roar Guru
Sorry Freddy, can you be a little more specific about when they stood up under 'big stage' pressure? It's one thing to beat up on a few teams in an uneven NRL comp but there's a whole lot of 'been there, done that' in the Qld team who don't care about their clubland record and really dislike the jumper they wear. Plus another 28k at the ground who are going to give it to them. You reckon Lang Park is loud, the Qlders of NQ, given this one chance will make their voices heard.