Panthers stars Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai have been compared to some of the greatest halves combinations in rugby league and Grand Final history ahead of their last ride together.
After playing together since they were kids, Cleary and Luai will play their final NRL game together on Sunday and have a chance to win a fourth straight title from their fifth straight decider together.
“It’s been a very special relationship, those two players, who have had so much success, a lot more than many others that have played before them in our game, and they’ve got one last dance together,” Braith Anasta said on NRL 360.
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Phil Rothfield believes it is sad the star pair won’t get to play out their careers together, but their legacy with some greats of the game is already complete.
“As I look at those two men, and the success they’ve had and you start thinking Sterling and Kenny, you start thinking Daley and Stuart and Langer and Walters,” Rothfield said.
“They’re one of these grand finals, they’re great players. It’s sad… I don’t want to keep saying the word sad. I think it’s a shame that he’s going to West Tigers next year.
“I love Dynasties and I love the fact that they don’t play International footy together. I guess they can for New South Wales in the future. But I’ve got them up there alongside those great combinations.”
However, Gorden Tallis believes Storm counterparts Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster could trump them with a win on Sunday.
“If Hughes and Munster beat them, Jahrome and Munster would have beaten them in two grand finals,” Tallis said.
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“They’ve played against them, and that’s probably who you judge them against. And you’ve got Alf that played against and you’ve got Kenny, that was like a little bit before them.
“You can only judge them on who they play against.”
However, James Hooper believes the magnittude of what Penrith have achieved in the salary cap era has cemented Cleary and Luai’s place in history.
“To make five straight grand finals though in a salary cap era, that is a phenomenal achievement,” Hooper said.
“I don’t think that it is sad that Jarome is leaving, just based on the fact it’s a salary cap era, and you can’t keep everybody. And I know, he’s a local junior.”
Rothfield explained he likes seeing great halves parigings and great teams set new marks in the history of rugby league, which sparked debate.
“Sterling and Kenny played life together,” Rothfield said.
“But the game was different then,” Hooper said.
“There was no salary cap back then.”
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“I like seeing dynasties, I love seeing champions play alongside each other,” Rothfield shot back.
“You turn the television on every week to watch that halves combination.”
Hooper conceded the comparison to the Eels greats is a good one given what Cleary and Luai have achieved.
“When you make the comparison with Peter Sterling and Brett Kenny, they obviously won 81, 82, 83,” Hooper noted.
“Well, these blokes have replicated that, but in the modern era. So it is a very fair question and a fair conversation.”
Cleary and Luai sat down with Jake Duke to give their feelings on the on the eve of their final game together.
“I think it’s more excitement than anything,” Cleary said on NRL 360.
“I think I might sink in after the game that it’s coming to an end, but for the time being, it’s trying to soak up each day.
“And we’re lucky enough that it’s the biggest day of all in a grand final and I’m just excited to do it one last time with him.
“We’ve just been able to build this combination where we sort of just know each other’s game and know what we’re going to do without actually even saying it.”
Luai revealed he has been laser focused on doing his best for his teammates before leaving the club.
“I’m just really dialled into a personal one and for me was being the last ride, as everyone knows,” Luai said.
“A lot of boys are going through the same sort of situation, so it’s motivated me in a positive way to make sure that I’ve won every day, make sure that I’m at my best and it sort of trickles throughout the group as well.
“So hopefully I’ve done that. We’re on the biggest stage this week and hopefully I can take that with me.”
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Cleary revealed his contentious shoulder injury won’t be a factor in the decider despite all the attention it is receiving in the media.
“It feels good, honestly, just a bit of carry-on, to be honest,” Cleary said.
“It was probably more just of a little scare in the game and obviously it blew out of proportion from there, but it feels really good being able to get through a lot of exercises this week that I needed to and get my prep right.
“It’s just a question that’s constantly announced at the moment, but it’s fine.”
The battle with the Storm halves will be crucial to the contest and Luai is hoping Liam Martin can do him a favour in that department.
“I hope so, I’m sort of counting on it,” Luai said.
“Marto is an ultimate competitor, especially when it comes to rugby league. He loves the game so much. And I know he loves this group of boys.
“He loves winning as well. So I think you can guarantee he’s going to go out there and give it his best.”
Cleary was full of praise for the Storm, who have beaten the Panthers twice in the regular season including in Round 1.
“Pretty much any time we’ve versed them over the last five years or so, it’s been a tight game,” Cleary said.
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“They’ve got the better of us this year. And they’re a great side, I have a lot of admiration for what they’ve not only done this year, but they’ve done previously and consistently at the highest level. So it’s going to be a great challenge.
“But saying, you know, we’re really looking forward to it. I think just from a fans perspective, like it’s the two best teams this year, it’s just going to be great, so I can’t wait.”
The last word was reserved for Luai, who signed off in his own cool way ahead of his final game with his great mate Cleary.
“I don’t want it to be much different than what I’ve already experienced and I think experience is the greatest teacher,” Luai said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of this great team and being in a lot of big games.
“I don’t want it to be much different. I want to enjoy the occasion and I know the competitor inside me is going to be excited to get out there and give it my best shot, man. So with my big dog here, you know, we’re going to ride out for sure.”
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