2020 was a career-best year for Jarome Luai and he will have the chance to do it all again in 2021, signing a new deal with the Penrith Panthers.
Luai, who formed a flourishing partnership with halves partner Nathan Cleary, has extended his deal until the end of 2024.
In the end, the decision was easy for Luai. The Panthers club is his home and he wanted to stay.
“I feel blessed to know I’ll be at Panthers for the next four years,” Luai said.
“This is my home. This is where I grew up. This is my family.
“Every time I pull on that jersey, I’m playing for all those things and more.
“I think it’s going to be a great season and I’m just really excited to get out there and play some footy.”
Penrith Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai with halves partner Nathan Cleary
Luai is also a Samoan international and Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is no stranger to the young star and his ability.
“I first watched Jarome playing alongside Nathan (Cleary) as a 15-year-old,” Cleary said.
“He had to wait a little bit longer to cement his spot in the NRL but the natural combination those two have will be vital for our club over the coming years.”
Cleary went on to praise the skills that Luai possesses and backs him to perform even better moving forward.
“Jarome’s value to our team is more than just his individual skills.
“He has an ability to connect the players around him, which is crucial to our success.
“I look forward to working with him and watching his game continue to grow in the seasons ahead.”