Nathan Cleary has revealed the emotional toll his long time halves partner Jarome Luai’s departure has had on him after his move to the Tigers in 2025 on a five-year deal.
Cleary told The Sydney Morning Herald that he was saddened by Luai’s decision to leave the club, but hopes he can chase one last premiership with his partner in crime.
“I’ve played alongside ‘Romy’ my whole Penrith career, since we were 15 years old, which makes it even tougher,” Cleary said.
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“It’s sad. It’s also a business, and he needs to look after his beautiful young family. He had so many people in his ear asking him what he was going to do, so I didn’t want to be that guy asking.
“He’s also at that stage of his career where he can make decisions for himself. We all found out at the same time that he was leaving.
“I never could have pictured Romy in another jersey. Now he’s secured his future, we can focus on this year and try to make it special … it’s my last ride with him.”
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Cleary has gotten used to players leaving the club after the club paid the price for their success in winning three straight titles.
However he is confident in taking his game to greater heights to help fill the void left by Luai’s departure.
“It’s a fair squad we’ve lost over the years now,” Cleary said.
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“I’ve played the longest with Romy, we’re in the halves together, so that makes it tougher. He really represents what we’re about as a team, and he’s from the area.
“The more players leave, the more you become accustomed to it.
“I feel I’m at the age and the stage of my career where I’m ready to actually help a young guy and build a combination.
“I’ll have to go to another level in terms of leadership and helping the young guys out.”
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