Nathan Cleary's relationship with Panthers halves partner Jarome Luai is set to provide a major boost for NSW despite the halfback's absence throughout the State of Origin series.
Cleary will miss at least the first two games with a hamstring injury, with Luai expected to be named in the halves when coach Michael Maguire announces his team following after a standout performance in Penrith's 42-0 win over Cronulla on Saturday.
The injury hasn't stopped Cleary from doing his bit to help NSW win back the State of Origin shield, with the halfback mentoring Luai during his transition from five-eighth to halfback.
"Having the best player in the NRL definitely helps," Luai said.
"I've asked him to watch my every move, give me tips on what he looks for in teams and when to do stuff. He's been a big part of why I've been doing OK in this role.
"We're different players, we're good at different things. I don't want to take that away from myself and try to be someone I'm not. It's more mental things, what to look for and team management in that role, it's something I can get better at."
Sharks v Panthers – Round 12, 2024
Whether Luai wears the No.6 or the No.7 jumper will likely depend on the health of the other halves in NSW contention.
Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes was the leading contender to play halfback, however he did not return to the field after halftime on Saturday night with a calf injury.
The playmaker has been carrying the complaint for a few weeks. While coach Craig Fitzgibbon said the decision to not to play in the second half was a precautionary measure, he likely won't be able to manage a full training load heading into Game One of the Origin series.
Souths five-eighth Cody Walker missed his side's win over the Eels on Saturday with a calf injury and Mitchell Moses hasn't played since week three with a fractured foot.
Canterbury's Matt Burton is fit and available and has firmed as Luai's halves partner.
Luai's form at halfback for Penrith and injuries to other contenders has seen him rocket into the frame to wear the No.7 jumper for NSW in Game One on June 5.
Jarome Luai Try
It's a position Panthers coach Nathan Cleary backed the playmaker to fill.
"He started a little bit slow, coming back from shoulder surgery, which is understandable," Cleary said. "He's been progressively getting better.
"The last couple of weeks he's really stepped it up for us, which we needed him to. If he goes into Origin, he's certainly going in feeling good about his form.
"Particularly his kicking, which is an important factor in Origin. Having that left-foot kick, it's a great option. I thought his kicking [on Saturday] was probably the best he's ever done."
Luai has spent the first 12 weeks of the season fighting to regain his place in the NSW team after he was dropped for Game Three last year.
That looks set to eventuate, with the playmaker likely to play a big role in the Blues' quest to win their first series since 2021.
As for what position he plays, Luai's happy to leave that up to Maguire to decide.
"I just want that Blues jersey," he said. "I want my last name on my back again and that's a goal for me every year coming into the season.
"I don't want to put myself into any number. I'm a team player, I'm a role player. Whatever the team needs me to do, how to play, I'll put my hand up and take accountability to do that role to the best of my ability."
