Jarome urged to step up to the plate
NSW Origin star Jarome Luai has been ordered to step up and own the “big moments” as his side looks to overcome the longest odds of any Penrith side in six years.
Set to face defending premiers the Melbourne Storm on Saturday without a host of stars – including halfback Nathan Cleary, captain Isaah Yeo and suspended No.9 Api Koroisau – the Panthers are a whopping $6.50 with the TAB.
It is not only the longest Penrith have been in any premiership match betting since 2015, but the first time they have been outsiders since the 2020 NRL grand final.
Yet while his beloved Mt Druitt may be suffering a COVID lockdown, the 24-year-old Panthers livewire has been urged by coach Ivan Cleary to break out and own what would be one of the Panthers’ greatest upset wins.
Elsewhere, coach Cleary also revealed utility Tyrone May would likely miss up to five weeks after suffering a knee injury in their Round 19 win over Brisbane.
And Yeo is recovering “really well” from a concussion suffered in the same match, despite the skipper’s publicised history with head knocks.
While May started at No.7 in the Broncos win, his injury means Luai now moves into the halfback role, with Matt Burton going from centre back to fiveeighth.
Yet Cleary left no doubt as to who he wants to run the side against Storm in their hyped showdown.
“Jarome’s got more responsibility this week,” he said.
“It’s a big role for him. “And I’m looking forward to watching him take it on.
“Nathan is obviously our first choice halfback and runs the show.
“But Jarome has done it before too so he knows what to do.
“Jarome was a little quiet last week and he knows that.
“But he doesn’t shy away from the big games. Or the big moments.
“And that’s why we love him so much.”
Penrith was the last side to beat the Melbourne Storm, on March 25.