Panthers star Jarome Luai has been described in many ways - but at the top of that list may be misunderstood.
The 26-year-old has become one of the most prominent figures in the NRL over the past few years, helping Penrith to two premiership victories, as well as representing both NSW and Samoa.
Luai comes from humble beginnings in Sydney's western suburbs, growing up in Mt Druitt and playing his junior footy for St Mary's, before coming through the lower grades into the NRL with the reigning champs.
However, despite his humility off the field, Luai has been branded a 'grub' by many fans within the game, who have taken exception to his on-field antics and so-called 'dirty' behaviour.
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Nathan Cleary defends 'misunderstood' Jarome LuaiSpeaking on the latest edition of The Sporting News/YKTR EBBS AND FLOWS (out on Sunday night), Penrith teammate and close friend Nathan Cleary claimed there is more than meets the eye.
“Jarome is the most misunderstood person ever I reckon, in our sport anyway," he said.
"People see what he’s like on the field, but that’s what we love about him… it’s why he is such a good player and that’s why people want to watch.
"He’s got a bit of that niggle in him, but that’s what he needs to do to get the best out of himself. If I was a fan, I’d want to see that stuff and I’d want to see characters in the game.
"He is a natural-born leader and people are attracted to what he does... as much as he can be annoying and a smartarsee, that’s what you love about him. I think him in our team, he’s a massive part with that energy and infectious behaviour.
"He’s taken on that villain role and he enjoys that now, it’s cool – he has taken on that mindset that the perception of the outside world don’t matter to him, it’s the people that are close to him."
With over 100 NRL appearances to his name, Luai is entering a crucial period in his career, with his contract status for 2024 and beyond up in the air due to a recent management split.
Luai has also had his fair share of run-ins with sections of the media and the fleet-footed playmaker has never shied away from voicing his opinion on social media - but it's a mindset that has been a long time coming.
"In terms of the media stuff, I think it’s just got to the point where he’s sort of had enough," Cleary said.
"He’s not able to voice what he wants to say and he's constantly got people talking s**t about him in the media.
"It’s sort of got to that stage where now it’s like ‘Why not, I’ll just put stuff on my story and have a go back at them’.
"As a person, he’s just a genuine guy. We tried to get him on [the podcast] and I hope he does one day, because people will see him in a different light and he speaks really well."
Luai and Cleary will be hoping to become the first halves pairing of the NRL era to secure a three-peat of titles, with the first-placed Panthers in the box-seat to win another grand final on the first weekend of October.
EBBS AND FLOWS: NATHAN CLEARY will be released on Sunday via Youtube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
