LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a devastating blow for the Penrith Panthers, their star five-eighth Jarome Luai may be out for the rest of the NRL season due to a dislocated shoulder.
The injury occurred during their recent match against Parramatta, when Luai was awkwardly twisted by Bryce Cartwright while attempting to hold him up in-goal.
Luai was seen cradling his left arm on the ground and had to leave the field, not returning for the remainder of the game.
The Panthers remain hopeful that Luai's shoulder will recover in time for the finals series, but coach Ivan Cleary expressed his uncertainty about the extent of the injury.
Cleary stated that the medical staff are positive about the potential of Luai's recovery, but scans will be necessary to determine the severity of the dislocation.
This news has left Panthers fans shattered, as Luai has been a key player for the team throughout the season.
His absence would be a major setback for the Panthers' hopes of clinching the minor premiership and making a strong run in the finals.
Cleary acknowledged the disappointment on both the team and personal level, recognizing that injuries are unfortunately common at this stage of the season.
Panthers supporters will anxiously await the results of Luai's scans, hoping for a positive outcome that will allow him to return to the field as soon as possible.
In the meantime, the team will need to regroup and find a way to compensate for the potential loss of their talented five-eighth.