Latest news with #JaromeLuai
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Penrith's top-four dream alive with Tigers thrashing
Penrith's top-four dream is alive and kicking thanks to a 36-2 belting of Wests Tigers that denied Jarome Luai the chance for revenge against his old firm. Hours after Penrith's two biggest rivals for fourth spot suffered shock losses, Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards helped the Panthers into fifth place on the NRL ladder with a seventh-straight win. Saturday's victory at CommBank Stadium was the most convincing on that run and signalled the Panthers hitting top gear at just the right time. Importantly, Cleary kicked a perfect six from six goals on his first night taking the kicking tee since suffering a groin injury in mid-June. To take fourth spot, Penrith will need the Warriors to lose at least twice on the run home but nothing appears off the table after that side's loss to Gold Coast earlier on Saturday. A top-four spot, and double chance in finals, will have the Panthers' rivals quivering in their boots given it is their clearest path to a fifth consecutive premiership. The situation is a far cry from a 1-5 start to the season that had pundits eulogising Penrith's premiership dynasty. The Tigers were already highly unlikely to play finals football in 2025 but the loss makes their top-eight dream almost impossible. Former favourite son Luai came within a whisker of bragging rights in the sides' round-14 clash but Penrith had effectively ended the rematch by half-time with three tries in 15 minutes. Tigers halfback Latu Fainu was benched in the second half as the visitors searched fruitlessly for points, though fullback Sunia Turuva worked hard in a losing effort with 26 runs and 266 metres. Penrith needled at some gallant Tigers defence before Isaah Yeo connected with fellow big man Lindsay Smith, who stretched out for the Panthers' first points. Dylan Edwards finishes off a long-range effort! 🔥Telstra Moment of the Match — NRL (@NRL) July 26, 2025 Minutes later, a Jeral Skelton knock-on gave the Panthers a chance to attack the line again and Edwards found teenager Casey McLean on the short side. Edwards was superb with 322 metres and made it a three-score game with an 80-metre team try in the shadows of half-time. Cleary shifted left and McLean stretched a hand back inside to his halfback, who had fullback Edwards in support. One of the NRL's most reserved characters, Edwards celebrated his try with uncharacteristic flamboyance, cartwheeling twice as a nod to his young daughters. On return from a wrist injury, Liam Martin put the result beyond doubt with a try in the final 15 minutes before a winding Cleary kick sat up for Izack Tago to touch the ball down.
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Peter V'landys flags major change to State of Origin eligibility rules
Rugby league supremo Peter V'landys has revealed the ARL Commission are considering a landmark change to State of Origin eligibility rules in a bid to reduce the impact on New Zealand and England's national teams. Under the current rules, players who are eligible for tier-one nations New Zealand and England effectively have to choose whether they want to play internationals against Australia or play Origin. But players eligible for tier-two nations such as Tonga and Samoa, are eligible to play for New South Wales or Queensland. NSW Blues stars Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton and Jarome Luai have all pledged to play for Samoa at this year's Pacific Championships. Rising Canberra Raiders star Kaeo Weekes was the latest big name to make the decision, committing to a representative career with Australia and the NSW Blues after reportedly rejecting an approach to play for the Kiwis. Dolphins young gun Isaiya Katoa also previously opted to play for Tonga over New Zealand in order to keep his Origin hopes alive in the future. But that could all change as the ARL Commission reviews a potential change to eligibility. 'It is something we're going to have to look at again and to me there does seem to be a stronger push this time for change,' V'landys told SMH. 'It is a strong argument that if you've played your footy in Australia before the age of 13 and you are eligible to play Origin, why shouldn't you be able to? 'If we were to change the rules, it would only be for New Zealand and English players. 'They're the tier-one countries impacted. [Players from] tier-two nations like Samoa and Tonga can still play State of Origin and represent those nations. 'It's a polarising idea. When we've consulted on any possible Origin eligibility changes some people have loved it, others hated it. 'We want a strong international game and calendar, and we want Australia to be challenged. And we want to respect the players and the nations they want to play for, and the argument for change is one we'll consider. 'It wouldn't be open slather – it would be mostly New Zealand players, and any change would be considered to ensure they're not left behind.' Under the potential changes, Kalyn Ponga could play for the Kiwis and Queensland, while Victor Radley would be free to represent England and NSW. That is the only change under consideration, and players would still need to have lived in NSW or Queensland before 13 to qualify for Origin. According to NZRL chief Greg Peters, 11 players in this year's Origin squads are eligible for the Kiwis. Peters welcomed the potential changes, highlighting Ponga as the perfect example. 'A guy like Kalyn Ponga is a good example. He's a proud Maori, proud New Zealander and a proud Queenslander. But at the moment he doesn't have the ability to play for New Zealand should he chose to. He's a really good example,' he said. 'The other one is Jarome Luai. Who knows, Jarome Luai might probably want to play for Samoa, and good on him for doing so. 'But he played Junior Kiwis and the point is that his pathway to the Kiwis was shut down the moment he was selected to play Origin. 'Samoa is going to have a team stacked full of Origin players, which is great for the game, but it's not available to us. We strongly support a review of these rules.'
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
The NRL is set to review Origin eligibility rules. It could shake up the game
'They're the tier-one countries impacted. [Players from] tier-two nations like Samoa and Tonga can still play State of Origin and represent those nations. 'It's a polarising idea. When we've consulted on any possible Origin eligibility changes some people have loved it, others hated it. 'We want a strong international game and calendar, and we want Australia to be challenged. And we want to respect the players and the nations they want to play for, and the argument for change is one we'll consider. 'It wouldn't be open slather – it would be mostly New Zealand players, and any change would be considered to ensure they're not left behind.' Even if the NRL were to relax eligibility rules, players would still have to have lived in NSW or Queensland before their 13th birthdays to be able to play Origin. The likes of Kiwi stars Joe Tapine, James Fisher-Harris, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Moses Leota would remain ineligible for the interstate series, along with almost all English NRL imports. But as NZRL chief Greg Peters welcomed V'landys' comments and a potential boost for New Zealand's ability to compete with Australia, Samoa and Tonga for talent, he claimed as many as 11 players from this year's NSW and Queensland squads are eligible for the Kiwis. Ponga has made a high-profile move to switch his allegiance to New Zealand given his only Australian caps came during the short-lived Nines World Cup concept. The likes of Jarome Luai, Spencer Leniu, Moeaki Fotuaika and Josh Papalii have also been forced to choose between playing for the Kiwis or their state in the past. Like Weekes, playmaking prodigy Katoa was courted by the NZRL and former Kiwi coach Michael Maguire before opting to represent Tonga, which keeps him eligible for NSW under the current rules. Weekes, 23, was born in Sydney but is eligible to represent New Zealand due to his family heritage. Given his strong form in Canberra's rise to the top of the NRL ladder, his decision to pledge allegiance to the Kangaroos could see him emerge as an Ashes tour bolter. Alternatively, under the potential rule change, a player like Addin Fonua-Blake (one Test for New Zealand in 2017) would be able to represent the Blues, the Cronulla prop having grown up in Sydney and played for Mascot Jets as a junior. 'A guy like Kalyn Ponga is a good example,' Peters said. 'He's a proud Maori, proud New Zealander and a proud Queenslander. But at the moment he doesn't have the ability to play for New Zealand should he chose to. He's a really good example. 'The other one is Jarome Luai. Who knows, Jarome Luai might probably want to play for Samoa, and good on him for doing so. But he played Junior Kiwis and the point is that his pathway to the Kiwis was shut down the moment he was selected to play Origin. 'Samoa is going to have a team stacked full of Origin players, which is great for the game, but it's not available to us. We strongly support a review of these rules.' Along with the lure of playing Origin as the pinnacle of the game, $30,000 match payments for the interstate series are 10 times larger than what players earn per Test match. Loading The most recent collective bargaining agreement reduced Kangaroos match payments to $3000 per game to ensure parity across all Pacific nations, with New Zealand previously unable to compete with Australia on a financial front. 'There's a big monetary gain as well, so you can understand that choice of people wanting to play Origin, but New Zealand should be open to them,' Peters said. 'There are 11 players across both Origin squads who are eligible for New Zealand. There's no guarantee they would even choose to play for New Zealand, but they don't currently have the choice and it should be looked at. We want a strong international game.'
The Age
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
The NRL is set to review Origin eligibility rules. It could shake up the game
'They're the tier-one countries impacted. [Players from] tier-two nations like Samoa and Tonga can still play State of Origin and represent those nations. 'It's a polarising idea. When we've consulted on any possible Origin eligibility changes some people have loved it, others hated it. 'We want a strong international game and calendar, and we want Australia to be challenged. And we want to respect the players and the nations they want to play for, and the argument for change is one we'll consider. 'It wouldn't be open slather – it would be mostly New Zealand players, and any change would be considered to ensure they're not left behind.' Even if the NRL were to relax eligibility rules, players would still have to have lived in NSW or Queensland before their 13th birthdays to be able to play Origin. The likes of Kiwi stars Joe Tapine, James Fisher-Harris, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Moses Leota would remain ineligible for the interstate series, along with almost all English NRL imports. But as NZRL chief Greg Peters welcomed V'landys' comments and a potential boost for New Zealand's ability to compete with Australia, Samoa and Tonga for talent, he claimed as many as 11 players from this year's NSW and Queensland squads are eligible for the Kiwis. Ponga has made a high-profile move to switch his allegiance to New Zealand given his only Australian caps came during the short-lived Nines World Cup concept. The likes of Jarome Luai, Spencer Leniu, Moeaki Fotuaika and Josh Papalii have also been forced to choose between playing for the Kiwis or their state in the past. Like Weekes, playmaking prodigy Katoa was courted by the NZRL and former Kiwi coach Michael Maguire before opting to represent Tonga, which keeps him eligible for NSW under the current rules. Weekes, 23, was born in Sydney but is eligible to represent New Zealand due to his family heritage. Given his strong form in Canberra's rise to the top of the NRL ladder, his decision to pledge allegiance to the Kangaroos could see him emerge as an Ashes tour bolter. Alternatively, under the potential rule change, a player like Addin Fonua-Blake (one Test for New Zealand in 2017) would be able to represent the Blues, the Cronulla prop having grown up in Sydney and played for Mascot Jets as a junior. 'A guy like Kalyn Ponga is a good example,' Peters said. 'He's a proud Maori, proud New Zealander and a proud Queenslander. But at the moment he doesn't have the ability to play for New Zealand should he chose to. He's a really good example. 'The other one is Jarome Luai. Who knows, Jarome Luai might probably want to play for Samoa, and good on him for doing so. But he played Junior Kiwis and the point is that his pathway to the Kiwis was shut down the moment he was selected to play Origin. 'Samoa is going to have a team stacked full of Origin players, which is great for the game, but it's not available to us. We strongly support a review of these rules.' Along with the lure of playing Origin as the pinnacle of the game, $30,000 match payments for the interstate series are 10 times larger than what players earn per Test match. Loading The most recent collective bargaining agreement reduced Kangaroos match payments to $3000 per game to ensure parity across all Pacific nations, with New Zealand previously unable to compete with Australia on a financial front. 'There's a big monetary gain as well, so you can understand that choice of people wanting to play Origin, but New Zealand should be open to them,' Peters said. 'There are 11 players across both Origin squads who are eligible for New Zealand. There's no guarantee they would even choose to play for New Zealand, but they don't currently have the choice and it should be looked at. We want a strong international game.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jarome Luai's classy act for Panthers player that could backfire on Tigers
Blaize Talagi has opened up on the mentorship he received from Jarome Luai while on tour with Samoa last year, which helped him transition and take over the No.6 role at the Panthers. But the classy gesture from Luai has the potential to backfire on the Tigers if Talagi helps the Panthers take down their NRL rivals on Saturday. Talagi has cemented his spot as Penrith's five-eighth after being forced to bide his time in reserve-grade to start the season. Many expected him to become Luai's immediate replacement when the four-time premiership-winner left to join the Tigers in the off-season. Talagi predominantly played wing and fullback at Parramatta, and took some time to adjust to the Panthers system when asked to play five-eighth. It wasn't until six weeks into the season that he nailed down the spot in first-grade, but he's now flying and has made it his own. On Saturday, Talagi will go head-to-head with Luai in a battle against the man whose shoes he's stepped into. Luai won four premierships as the Panthers' No.6 before a big-money switch to the Tigers late last year, which coincided with Penrith signing Talagi from the Eels. Speaking to on Thursday, Talagi lifted the lid on how Luai helped him find his feet as a five-eighth. Talagi and Luai never crossed paths at the Panthers, but they were teammates for Samoa on their end-of-season tour to England last year. In the second game of that series, Luai switched to halfback so Talagi could play 6. "It was a bit challenging when I first came here with all the talk about me filling his shoes," the 20-year-old said about Luai. "As I've been here longer, as a group we've talked about we're not here to fill anyone's shoes. You're here to be yourself and that's helped me grow each week and that's showing on the field." What Blaize Talagi learned from Jarome Luai Talagi opened up on what he learned from playing alongside Luai at Test level. "Jarome's a special player," he added. "He knows how to carry a team and lead by his actions. That's something I learnt from him. He's a really good mentor. He gives a lot of time to the younger boys and helped us a lot, especially at training. He would show us how to do things and I learnt a lot watching the intensity he trains at." The gesture from Luai shows the Tigers captain's class, as he could have been forgiven for not wanting to help his direct club rival too much. And from what we've seen of his character, he won't regret his actions should Talagi star for the Panthers against the Tigers on Saturday. Panthers resurgence built on defence The Panthers are flying after winning six in a row heading into Round 21 - where they'll meet western Sydney rivals the Tigers. Luai's side are coming off a vital win over the Titans at home, which has given them a four-point buffer to the cellar-dwellers. For the Panthers, it's been their stingy defence that's led the turnaround after they were at rock bottom two months ago. They haven't allowed more than 18 points in any of their six-straight wins, conceding 68 in total - the fewest by any team in that period. RELATED: Michael Maguire spills family detail that has Broncos primed for finals Kevin Walters vows to act as three players consider leaving Kangaroos 'You can just feel like we're more resilient, we're stopping tries, we're making it hard for the opposition, whereas that wasn't really the case for the first half of the season,' co-captain Isaah Yeo said this week. 'I feel like they'd go down on our end in the first set, they'd put on a play, and it wasn't under pressure, and all of a sudden they're scoring, and you're probably sort of kicking yourself going, what's just happened to everything we spoke about? 'But I feel like we're trusting the system a bit more, we're being a bit more proactive, particularly at the start of the games, and when you're holding your line and being resilient, that affects the other team's confidence. We've relied on that for such a long period of time now, and we didn't have that for the first half of the season. It's not something you can ever take for granted."
