Panther finds his rhythm

IN a case of perfect timing, Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai says he has his creative mojo back thanks to half Nathan Cleary’s return from injury, and the statistics back him up.

Luai will line up against South Sydney on Saturday night with his confidence and game on a high after a lull in form when his halves partner was out of action.

The duo’s reunion has been crucial in Penrith’s four consecutive wins after Cleary slotted straight back into his groove on his comeback from a shoulder injury.

In the four games Luai had in the halves while Cleary was injured, he didn’t have any try assists and recorded just one linebreak assist.

In the four matches since Cleary has been back, Luai has put on five try assists and nine linebreak assists.

“When Nathan was out I was probably thinking too much and thinking about structures, but I am at my best when I run the ball and I am confident. It feels that way now,” Luai said.

“Nathan controls everything and is the captain of the ship. He steers us around, gets us to our points and then I can play eyes up off the back of Nathan. We have got a good combo with each other.

“My coaches have been really good and have kept an eye on me … especially when Nathan was out.”