NSW five-eighth Jarome Luai has received death threats for his role in a fracas at the end of the second State of Origin match, brandishing his social media detractors as “idiots”.
Late in Queensland’s 32-6 defeat of NSW at Suncorp Stadium, Luai lost his cool with Maroons fullback Reece Walsh, who interfered with James Tedesco as the NSW No.1 chased a kick to the line.
The pair came together and head-butted one another, leading referee Ashley Klein to send both men from the field.
NSW winger Josh Addo-Carr followed them to the sin bin for entering the fray and throwing a punch.
Luai and Walsh have been charged with grade-two striking by the match review committee and must each pay 23 per cent of their match fee, while Addo-Carr has been ordered to pay 10 per cent for the lesser grade-one striking charge.
On Thursday morning, Luai caused a stir on social media when he addressed the incident in an Instagram story, writing: “Chill, All you idiots have work tomorrow morning” followed by a string of cry-laughing emojis.
Luai’s post was interpreted as a taunt to Origin fans, but the Penrith premiership-winner has since told Blues coach Brad Fittler he was responding to those who had sent him social-media death threats following the head-butting incident. Fittler confirmed this to media after touching down in Sydney on Thursday.
After the game, Luai denied Walsh had gotten under his skin.
“It was just a bit of passion,” Luai said of the incident.
“I’m a bit of a sore loser as well so I was just disappointed. I just hate to lose.
“I don’t get baited. I’m a professional and I know there’s a line always on the field. They won the game, so good on them.”
The melee came after Luai accused Walsh of pulling his hair in the first game of the series, and a captain’s challenge earlier in Origin II that led to the bunker penalising Walsh for a high shot on the NSW man.
The chance to get one over Walsh will be on Luai’s mind ahead of game three.
“It’s a good rivalry we have now,” Luai said.
“If you get the opportunity to play Origin, you’ve always got something to play for, someone to play for.”
Walsh holds Luai in high regard despite the pair’s recent history of on-field spats.
“It was two passionate players who wear their hearts on their sleeves who would do anything for their mates and their state,” Walsh told AAP.
“I respect Jarome as a player. He makes the game interesting. I love watching him play and I love having those battles. It brings out the character in people.”
Walsh expects to feel the full force of the Sydney crowd on July 12.
“You’re always going to get that extra love when you’re in someone else’s backyard, in their territory. It’s going to be a good challenge for the boys,” he said.
Once a fleet-footed fullback himself, Queensland coach Billy Slater has warned Walsh bigger, stronger players will continue to target him in the Origin arena.
“He’s got to learn to accept that that’s coming at him for the next 15 years,” Slater said.
Walsh is ready for the extra attention, though.
“If you don’t want to get challenged and you don’t want to have that adversity and try and be better, you’re probably in the wrong sport,” he said.
with AAP
Jimbo
Roar Rookie
I would like to know what value does Luai bring to the blues team?? NOTHING!! He needs to be dropped by Fittler but Fittler doesn't have the balls to do that, so looking forward to another loss in Sydney!!! Sack Fittler, Luai and Tedesco....and get rid of Mitchell Moses; he did NOTHING the second half of Game 2!!
Albo
Roar Rookie
It certainly is personal abuse ! :laughing:
The Mexican
Roar Rookie
I’m not a fan of Jerome Luai and I dislike him as much as everyone who is not a Panthers fan dislikes him mainly because of his arrogance, having said that if anyone has made death threats against him, the police should investigate and charge those trolls, players no matter how loved or hated they are shouldn’t have to put up with death threats.
Cam
Roar Rookie
Good side, except for the Fox who has been below average through this series, which is ironic because Freddy got hammered by the media and fans for not picking him in 2022. Apparently Wighton unretired himself after signing with Souths.
Pomoz
Roar Rookie
On Twitter makes it OK then. "I was robbed", "so what, I was beaten up".
Pomoz
Roar Rookie
Well put in context, he responded to people making death threats and your thoughts on that are he is a "wank. er". You are normally a very reasonable commentator on here, but I am surprised at your reaction.
I'm Irons
Roar Rookie
Forget game 3 we need to focus on game 1 next year. My backline 2024 with Cleary 1.Turbo 2.Fox 3.the GOAT (Latrell) 4.Graham/Wighton?? Get him back 5.To Ooo 6.Hynes 7.Cleary Backline 2024 With No Cleary? Same as above except 6.Burton 7.Hynes
Kurt S
Roar Pro
A simple way to avoid unwarranted hate on social media is to remove the social media app. Problem solved. It really is no more difficult than that. People need to realise that social media is a double edged sword. You want the accolades but you don't want the negativity. But you will get the negativity. It is not a difficult concept to grasp. Add personality like Luai's into the mix and it is bound to polarize the masses. If he had death threat then the only call he should have made was to the police and he should have stopped playing social media.
Arama
Roar Rookie
Not sure many of the “words used to describe Jerome Luai” would be acceptable during family viewing hours :laughing:
London Panther
Roar Rookie
I am swimming against the tide here; I love Luai and am so proud he is a Panther. He is a wonderful player whose coming into the Panther side was a catalyst for the current period, the most successful in our period. He has not only excelled for us, but has had three years in the Blues (having won the first series) and took his nation to the World Cup final. Of the field he is a man whose has come from very difficult circumstances to be a wonderful father and figure in his community; well respected for the leadership role he plays. He goes over the top on the field from time to time admittedly, but hasn’t abused or mistreated women, done drugs or generally done horrible stuff like many of the stars we seem to worship. As for the social media post, you might not agree with what he said, but at least he is a man and puts his name to it. How many people on this site post under their real name? I know I don’t.
London Panther
Roar Rookie
Seems to be pretty professional when wearing a black or pink jersey.
Aiden
Roar Rookie
But I;d suggest many of them do, which is why he may have felt it was a fairly innocuous funny remark.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Joseph Su'uali'i
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Supporting NSW is a form of public abuse
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Can it?
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Started it. Retaliated. Who cares? We got belted, Luai got sent off, looked like a goose in doing so, then bags NSW fans. And Walsh, instead of looking like a goose, was stoked to be sent off and punched the air etc. Luai inadvertantly helped make him a cult hero. Tip to Luai: stop embracing the hate, or being the bad guy. Well at least for NSW. If it works at Penrith, go your hardest.
Arama
Roar Rookie
I was gonna post something similar DK. 2pac & Biggie pretended to be “gangsta” and paid the price. Ja Morant is finding out all about it in the NBA currently. Although I don’t condone the death threats, “play silly games, win silly prizes” is exactly what happens when you try to portray that image/lifestyle. No one to blame but himself.
NQR
Roar Rookie
Happy when I watch good Rugby League played. Unhappy when officials don’t want to penalise stupid dangerous illegal play that put players at risk of season or career ending injuries.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Have to admit I used that word thinking of Nate Miles reaction as he was getting hammered by Gal. So, the opposite of that.
Arama
Roar Rookie
I’ve read some funny comments on here Souvalis but this has to be the most hilarious and ludicrous! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: “Luai…a man of courage”, so brave he stood gloating over an unconscious and prone player just last year! :laughing: