Jarome Luai is ready to turn his back on State of Origin football in favour of representing New Zealand or Samoa.
Luai grew up in Mt Druitt and is eligible to represent NSW in State of Origin, but according to teammate Nathan Cleary, Luai has no desire to wear the Sky Blue jersey.
Under the game's eligibility rules, Luai can represent NSW if he elects to play for Samoa, a tier-two nation, but will be ineligible should he represent New Zealand.
Should he pick Samoa, Luai could one day play alongside Cleary for the Sky Blues and form a formidable partnership that would replicate their form for the Panthers.
Luai's form in the past month has been exceptional and led Cleary to call him the Panthers best player.
"But he has been unbelievable. The last month he's been our best player. The energy he brings around the team, some of the stuff he does on the field, I'm in awe of it, he has so much talent and X-factor," Cleary said.ย
"He's always happy and has that infectious smile. I'm lucky to play alongside him."
The Panthers booked their spot in the preliminary final after a one-point win over the Roosters on Friday night.
Jerome Luai, Dylan Brown, Chanel Harris-Tavita these guys are the future kiwis halves.
Glad he has chosen NZ, if the side was being chosen today Iโd have him at five-eight
Luai…
Born & raised in Sydneyโs west.
Penrith junior, from an Arab mother . From Samoan paternal grandparents.
Lucky New Zealand has Penrith , Australia raising future New Zealand reps for them Warriors! ๐
EOD, really canโt speak.
Josh Pappalii, Auckland NZ
James Tamou, Palmerston North NZ
Akiula Uate, Fiji
Felise Kaufusi, Auckland NZ
For QLD and NSW
Joe Ofahungue, Auckland NZ
Jayden Suโa, Christchurch NZ
Ben Teo, Auckland NZ
Junior Paulo, Auckland NZ
Itโs happened for years on years and ultimately if your the player you should be able to chose if given the option
As for Luai he has always represented NZ at junior levels and captained the junior kiwis, so why would he change his mind. Heโs loyal to the team that gave him the opportunity first which makes sense given his upbringing and family
Is that right Warriors.
New Zealand wouldnโt even be able to field a real test team . At least not one that would be that competitive in Rugby League. If not for Australia allowing The Warriors to play in the Australian competition. Or do you think those playing in the Super League would make the test team be up to scratch? It hasnโt worked for England!
We all know the Tonganโs , Samoans & any other islanders around somehow become New Zealanderโs in most sports.
So again, howโs is someone born raised in Australia, from Samoan / Arab heritage , a New Zealander?
At least the few you can name from the past have actually played here, been coached here , lived here etc.
it would be a list too long to name , to find all non New Zealanderโs whoโve played for New Zealand. So many of them, never having played in New Zealand. Before being chosen to represent New Zealand.
In fact , I can go further than that. New Zealand, wouldnโt be more that a park team in Rugby League. If any Supposed New Zealand players were excluded from playing in Australia or in the Super League.
As we know, the same can be said for Tonga, Samoa, Fiji. Do they even play rugby league in those countries?
So I guess you donโt like it to be pointed out that , New Zealander doesnโt actually mean that New Zealand has ever been home? If their grand parent lived next door to a New Zealander , thatโs close enough. Right? ๐
Jerome would be my first pick with cleary n Tedesco for NSW,why wouldnt you want to play at the highest level being Origin! Cleary n Jerome is what NSW has been looking for.