Penrith five-eighth Jarome Luai hopes the performance of Nathan Cleary in the Panthers’ win over Newcastle on Sunday acts as a reminder to the halfback’s critics.
Cleary and Luai were part of the NSW side that lost the State of Origin series opener last week, with both backing up for the Panthers’ 42-6 win over the Knights.
Cleary was under severe pressure from the Queensland defence anytime he sought to kick and, by his high standards, the 24-year-old had a quiet game.
There was nothing meek about his performance against the Knights, however, with Cleary kicking seven goals and bagging a try in an 80-minute showing.
“I think it (the Panthers’ win) is a reminder to everyone who’s criticising Nath,” Luai said.
“I think they’re pretty quick to forget what we can do at our best. I can’t wait to keep proving what we can do out there.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
“I’m laughing about the negativity and I guess people are saying to change the whole squad around.
“In our four walls we are confident we can get the job done and there’s two more games, so there’s not too much to be down about.”
All but one of the Panthers’ Blues contingent played, with skipper Isaah Yeo given a week off after a blow to the head in the series opener.
The win re-established Penrith’s four-point lead at the top of the NRL ladder ahead of a game against the Warriors next week in Redcliffe.
Luai said there was no doubt he would turn out against the Knights despite playing the full 80 minutes in Origin I.
“It probably helped that we were playing on the Sunday – it gave me no reason not to play,” he said.
“Win or lose no job is done and I had a job to do with the Panthers, so I’m glad we got the win.
“We fought to the death (in Origin I) and I was disappointed we didn’t get the win in front of the home crowd.
“I’m pretty positive in my thinking, there’s still two games in Origin and the sun comes up the next morning.
“To chuck the boots back on with the Panthers boys, I don’t have much to complain about.”
mushi
Roar Guru
Does the 2021 finals run demonstrate that he did the work? You can't blame the kicking half for always being pressured. That's on the coach for the structure he employs.
Cat Brown
Guest
SOO 2020 and Grand Final 2020 demonstrated clearly how much work Cleary and Luai need to get anywhere near Thurston, Lockyer, Cronk. Johns can say that him and Thurston are fighting for second place as the best half back behind Cleary. Well all I can say is OK Joey he may be better than you but he is nowhere near as good as Thurston. Thurston could make a come back now and still out play Cleary
steveng
Roar Rookie
"hand the reigns over" they might as well not play SOO and give it up if that is their attitude, as and I know that SOO is what it is mid season but but its still the benchmark for the NRL best players.
Robbo
Guest
A little less arrogance and a little more humility for mine. Don't want to look a fool in any way - just play footy son and forget about the TV cameras and the attention - ease up 9n the try celebrations too before you hurt yourself or someone else. It's obviously for your own photo wall
Justin
Guest
I’m sure lots of Penrith supporters would be happy for the halves to hand the reigns over. It would just make them try harder for the rest of the season.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Jarome, we know what you can do at your best. It's when you're not at your best or playing off the back foot that causes mass hysteria
steveng
Roar Rookie
YES but it wasn't there in SSO1 at all for Jarome or Nathan as they should both realise that reputations are maintained in SOO games and in other top encounters and not against a half pie Knights side that most of their players are out injured. Lets see how both Luai and Cleary pan out in SOO2?