Jarome Luai doesn't care if he wears NSW number 6 or 7, declaring: “I don't care man, I just want that Blues shirt, I want my last name on the back again.”
Luai also revealed that he had leaned on Panthers team-mate Nathan Cleary to learn the finer points of the half-back game, and how he was happy to play on the left or right side of the Blues' midfield.
Jarome Luai playing for the Blues in 2022.Credit: Getty Images
With Nicho Hynes struggling with an ongoing calf injury and unlikely to be picked for Origin I, Luai is suddenly a genuine first-choice option.
Matt Burton is a potential half-back option, while 32-year-old Luke Keary has the benefit of being that right-footer who can also play at center or five-eighth, not to mention finally playing Origin without worry to the world knowing that he will retire in the year. end
Luai was dropped for Origin III last year and is determined to return to the Origin arena, in any role.
“I always back myself in any situation,” Luai said on Saturday night, after Penrith's 42-0 rout of Cronulla.
“There are a lot of good players who will be picked in this [NSW] side It is now in God's hands. Whatever happens, I'll grab it with both hands. If the opportunity comes, I'll be ready to rock.
“I'm left-footed, so I'm comfortable on the left in terms of kicking. But if they need me to play well, I'll play well. I love a challenge. Nothing really changes.”
Just as he was a standout in a defeated Penrith team in the Magic Round, Luai was again at his height against the Sharks when playing at halfback for Cleary, who is overcoming a second serious hamstring injury.
