LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Penrith Panthers are currently the favorites to win their third consecutive title in the Rugby League competition.
However, their chances of success are set to increase even further as star player Jarome Luai is on track to return from a shoulder injury.
Luai missed the team's impressive 32-6 victory over the Warriors in the finals, which happened to be their biggest finals win ever.
The Panthers now have a week off before they face either the Storm or the Roosters in the preliminary final, and Luai is confident that he will be fit and ready to play.
However, his teammate Nathan Cleary jokingly expressed skepticism about Luai's claims of being fit every week, stating, "He tells me he's right every week so I don't know how much we can believe that stuff."
Despite the banter, Cleary acknowledged Luai's confidence and mental strength, stating, "Half the battle is in the mind and he's flying there as well." He also praised Luai as an incredible player and a valuable asset to the team, emphasizing how great it would be to have him back on the field.
With Luai's potential return, the Panthers are set to become an even stronger force in the competition.
Their impressive performance in the finals, coupled with the impending return of their star player, has solidified their status as the team to beat.
As they aim for a third consecutive title, the Panthers are leaving no room for fairytales or complacency, determined to continue their dominance in the Rugby League.