'Changing perceptions': New dad Luai says Panthers-Eels GF a boost for Sydney's west

Jarome Luai became a father for the third time on Monday and he believes the Panthers-Eels grand final will provide a massive boost for the prestige of western Sydney where his daughter will grow up.

Luai's partner Bailey Paris Toleafoa gave birth on Monday to Halo, a sister for 10-months old Akira and Izzy, who recently turned four.

The Penrith, NSW and Samoa five-eighth posted a photo of Halo on social media just hours after her birth.

Despite Halo's birth coming just six days before the premiership decider against arch-rivals Parramatta, Luai is keen to soak up the atmosphere of a grand final build up with Penrith fans.

The Panthers have the edge in grand final experience after losing to Melbourne in 2020 and beating South Sydney last season, but both occasions were impacted by COVID restrictions, with the 2021 premiership decider moved to Brisbane.

With Penrith’s success of the past three seasons built on developing local talent, like Mt Druitt-raised Luai, Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton, the players are keen to finally experience a grand final build up with their fans in western Sydney.

“I think it’s a really good thing that these two teams are in the grand final,” said Luai, whose partner Bailey Paris Toleafoa is due to give birth to their third child this week.

“Fans have been waiting a while to see something like this, so I’m really excited to be a part of it all.”

“That’s a bit of a message that we’re trying to get across, as well. No matter where you’re from and how you’ve grown up, you can always be great at something if you put your mind towards it.

“You always see that it’s not a place that you want to be from, but hopefully we’ve changed that perception now that we’ve had a bit of success over the years, and we can use this platform to speak out for other people who are from where we’re from.”

The grand final will be the first time Penrith and Parramatta have met in a premiership decider.

It is also the first traditional derby grand final since the famous Parramatta-Canterbury deciders of the early to mid-1980s.

“I think there’s always been a rivalry,” Luai said. “Western Sydney people are real lovers of the game, and the fans are really passionate about their two teams.

“I know a lot of the boys in both teams because you go to the same schools, so it’s always going to be a good game.

“I never hated them, but I just knew it was going to be a good game, through the younger grades, as well.”

After being forced to play before a reduced capacity crowd at Accor Stadium in 2020 and winning at Suncorp Stadium in last year’s decider, To’o said he wanted to share the occasion with Panthers fans.

“Obviously it is the battle of the west and I’m pretty proud that both these teams come from the west and represent western Sydney,” To’o said.

“It’s going to be a massive game and to be able to play back at home in front of our fans is awesome.

“When we have got our jerseys on together, we are not only representing ourselves, our families and our friends but everyone around our area of Penrith.

“Our families and friends have obviously been through a lot during COVID and they were still supporting us when we were away so for them to be at the game and witness the game is going to be a special moment.”