Jarome Luai has told Queensland to bring it on, with the NSW State of Origin five-eighth ready to be targeted for a photo of him standing over Felise Kaufusi.
An image of Luai spraying Faufusi while the second-rower is on the ground is believed to have lit a fire in the Maroons group, with the shot passed around Queensland’s squad.
Luai revealed the moment came after a Junior Paulo hit up from a kick-off skittled Kaufusi, and not after fulltime or following a try as originally thought.
But the Penrith No.6 does expect the moment to put a target on his back at Suncorp Stadium next Sunday.
“He (Paulo) had a big run and had a good carry and left a few of the boys on the ground. I was so pumped,” Luai said.
“There wasn’t much in it … but it’s probably put a target on myself to be honest.
“But I was probably targeted in the first game as well. So not much is going to change for me in terms of mentality.
“It probably will fire them up and it’s at Suncorp as well, so it’s going to be a different beast.”
Luai is used to being the antagoniser, having happily accepted the role of being one of the team’s pests at the Panthers.
And he also thrives off being targeted.
He claims he was brought to life by the Maroons’ sledging in Origin I in Townsville, after copping an accidental knee in the back from Xavier Coates.
The response was emphatic, playing a starring role in the Blues’ biggest win in their history.
(Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
“It was a bit of a memory bank moment,” Luai said.
“When I went down a few of their players had a little bit to say to me. It was just the same words, ‘you’re soft. Get up’. The same crap.
“But as soon as I heard it I was like, I’m alright … It woke me up and got me in the game. So it’s a bit of a let’s-go mentality.”
Luai will again be named at No.6 in Brad Fittler’s team for Game II on Sunday, with Angus Crichton now appearing likely to be a straight swap for the injured Jake Trbojevic.
It means all the Panthers will again be there, with Liam Martin to hold his spot on the bench after making a statement in Penrith’s Friday night win over the Sydney Roosters.
And they also all know how Luai enjoys being targeted.
“(Queensland) are obviously going to send it back and be angry about that (photo) and try and fire us up,” winger Brian To’o said.
“That only makes us more keen for the next game. Me and my boy will be ready to take it on.
“He loves it, it’s the reason why he plays. It just motivates him to be the player he is today.”
jameswm
Roar Guru
Great - focus on Luai and leave Cleary, Mitchell and Tom T alone. Sounds good.
Short Memory
Guest
No comment from anyone in QLD camp about the photo or the spray. Media beat up.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
What in any shape or form does what a completely different individual have anything to do with Kaufusi’s filthiness or Matterson ? I mean Gal played underhandedly so Townsend must have been a dirty crook ? Nuts comment..
Jockstar
Guest
The worst origin side vs one of the best origin sides, can only lead to one result a complete origin thrashing and white wash. Panther players are super confident and watching the now mature Latrell , brilliant Turbo and the reliable Tedesco just carving the crap qld backs is a highlight that must be the biggest draw card.
Ben Lewis
Roar Pro
I don't understand the storm surrounding this photo... It's nothing that both sides haven't done to each other for the past 30 years. Hell, Thurston giving it to Pearce was one of the most talked about photos of the entire 2015 Series. If Queensland are seriously trying to paint NSW as arrogant by this photo, they have a lot of looking in the mirror to do.
PB Meister
Roar Rookie
I’m a Storm supporter, and have been since day one. But, based on the brilliant contribution Penrith have made to the inevitable Blue’s series win, I won’t be crying in my beer if the Panthers beat us in the GF this year. Seriously good footballers!
PB Meister
Roar Rookie
Yes, at least you have your (inaccurate) memories… if nothing current to get excited about :silly:
Tony
Roar Guru
:laughing:
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
Can we get the start and finish years for the ten in a row, seemed to have missed that one :thumbup:
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
“Matto” has some teammates who play a bit of dirty pool as well as Drew Hutchison will attest. Does that incident belong in your birdcage as well?
Martin Gilo
Guest
Blue made it one game but can't do it for 10 consecutive years. Maroons create history that no one can break.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
All power to him, lets not forget he’s giving it to the bottom of the birdcage slummer who among others, elbow slammed Matto and put him out for a month.
andrew
Roar Rookie
I could imagine the response from the crowd at Suncorp if that photo appears on the big screens inside the stadium.
Nat
Roar Guru
Good luck to you buddy. :happy:
Brian
Guest
Me and my boy????? Ok.