Penrith Panthers star Jarome Luai has signed a three-year contract extension.
The club confirmed the livewire five-eighth's new deal on Friday afternoon, tying him to Penrith until at least the end of the 2024 season.
Luai made 23 first-grade appearances for Penrith last year, establishing himself in the halves alongside Nathan Cleary.
The 24-year old played a key role in Penrithโs grand final run, scoring seven tries and adding 23 try assists.
He has made 40 NRL appearances in total all for the Panthers since making his first-grade debut in 2018.
Luai was thrilled to commit his future to the Panthers having come through the club's development system.
โI feel blessed to know Iโll be at Panthers for the next four years,โ Luai toldย penrithpanthers.com.au.
โThis is my home. This is where I grew up. This is my family. Every time I pull on that jersey, Iโm playing for all those things and more.
โI think itโs going to be a great season and Iโm just really excited to get out there and play some footy.โ
OFFICIAL. @jaromeluai_ puts pen to paper and commits his future to Panthers.
๐ https://t.co/6ZJ1I7uc0y#pantherpride ๐พ pic.twitter.com/OdNIr7Mup6
— Penrith Panthers (@PenrithPanthers) February 26, 2021
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was proud of far Luai has come and was excited about his development moving forward.
โI first watched Jarome playing alongside Nathan (Cleary) as a 15-year-old,โ Cleary said.
โHe had to wait a little bit longer to cement his spot in the NRL but the natural combination those two have will be vital for our club over the coming years.
โJaromeโs value to our team is more than just his individual skills. He has an ability to connect the players around him, which is crucial to our success.
โI look forward to working with him and watching his game continue to grow in the seasons ahead.โ
This is brilliant news.
It is good news for the Panthers.
Now , what happens with May, Naden & Capewell?
They are looking at re-signing May. Capewell is expected to return to Queensland, and the Broncos are interested in his services. Hopefully, Naden leaves.
I thought they wouldnโt re-sign Capewell. Billy Burns is just as good a player anyway.
They need the experience of May. Especially after Burton leaves.
As long as his head can stay in the right place , Naden deserves another chance. He was good last season. Except for the poor behaviour at the end of the season.
I would like to see Jaemon Salmon, and Brendan Hands, given a decent shot.
True…
Hands looks a real player, at half or hooker.