Ivan Cleary has backed Jarome Luai to be ready for State of Origin as the Penrith five-eighth mounts a serious case to claim NSW’s No.6 jersey.
Luai has arguably been the form player of the opening five rounds of the competition, setting up nine tries already in the Panthers’ undefeated start.
He was again their best in Friday night’s 30-10 win over Canberra, scoring a try of his own to go with one he set up for left centre Matt Burton.
Luai was part of NSW’s squad last year, and has the added appeal of playing alongside incumbent halfback Nathan Cleary at club level.
The pair clearly bring the best out in each other, having grown up playing together as teenagers in Penrith’s junior system.
Luke Keary is already unavailable through injury, while incumbent Cody Walker and reigning Dally M Medallist Jack Wighton remain the front-runners.
But Penrith coach Ivan Cleary can see merit in the argument that a club combination could suit best.
“I think that would be pretty on the mark,” Cleary said.
“If they keep playing well, that’s just going to be up to selectors.
“But if you’re in the squad from last year and playing better and are more experienced and played in some bigger games since then, yeah.
“I don’t think he would let anyone down.”
If Luai is to play Origin, the biggest game awaits on May 23 in round 11 against Walker’s Rabbitohs.
But as Cleary pointed out, it’s incredible to think there were questions over Luai’s spot in Penrith’s team as recently as last June.
With Nathan out on a two-week ban, there were calls for Matt Burton to keep his spot in the halves when Cleary returned and for Luai to be benched.
“But then you watch Matt Burton play and that’s probably fair as well,” Ivan quipped on Friday night.
Luai’s improvement since then has been rapid.
He set up 12 tries in the last nine games of last year, also scoring five as he found confidence on the left edge and a home in the Panthers’ attacking structure.
He’s been even better this year, with Penrith’s left edge quickly becoming one of the best in the competition.
“I just think his and Nathan’s combination is so good,” Ivan said.
“They have been playing together since they were 15. They just complement each other so well.
“Stuff Jarome does on the field, he does every day. He brings a good vibe to our team, and he is a good team guy. He makes us better and better.
“I love coaching him and seeing the development he is taking. At 24 and with 40-odd games, I think there is a fair bit left, which is exciting.”