LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Penrith Panthers are throwing their full support behind Jarome Luai as he aims to secure a spot in the NSW State of Origin team, with captain Isaah Yeo leading the charge.
Luai will don the No.7 jersey for Sunday's game against the Warriors, filling in for the injured Nathan Cleary.
Yeo believes that Luai has what it takes to shine on the origin stage, with the absence of Cleary creating an opportunity for the talented playmaker to showcase his skills.
With Matt Burton also in the running, and Townsend and Keary as outside contenders, the competition for the halfback position is fierce.
Despite the disappointment of losing Cleary to injury, Yeo is confident that Luai's confident play and leadership on the field will translate well to the representative arena.
Cleary's hamstring injury is expected to keep him sidelined for the entire Origin series, paving the way for Luai to make his mark.
As the Panthers rally behind Luai, the team is gearing up for a pivotal moment in the season, where every play counts and the pressure is on.
With Origin selections looming, Luai's performance in the coming weeks could make all the difference in his quest for a Blues jersey.