Panthers' three-peat chances rocked by Luai injury

Penrith's charge to a third-successive NRL premiership have been dealt a massive blow with Jarome Luai suffering a suspected dislocated shoulder in their 18-32 loss to the Eels.

Midway through the first half, Luai was trying to score to keep the his side in the fight, when his arm slid out from underneath a tackle by Eels second rower Bryce Cartwright, and the weight of both men came down on it.

Luai's face was expressionless, but Storm legend Billy Slater said that was telling in itself.

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"When your hand hits the ground and slides out and someone lands on top, that's not a good sign for Jarome Luai," Slater said in commentary for Nine.

"He knows what's going on, the face tells the story in these situations."

Nine's Danika Mason reported medics were able to slide his shoulder back into place in the sheds.

Brad Fittler said the Panthers would feel a Luai absence both on and off the field.

"He played such a big part in all the courageous stuff of the Panthers," he said on NIne's coverage.

"They're going to miss him very much. They have better systems than anyone else and they've proven it over the last two years.

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"His nickname is the CEO. He's the chief energy officer. It's on the field and off the field.

"They're going to miss him dearly. If he can't get to training pushing every session, pushing every play, every minute, getting on the field, they're going to miss a lot and they'll miss just as much off the field as they will on."

Teammate Nathan Cleary also spoke of his side's disappointment of Luai's injury, noting how much the side will miss his energy as they look ahead to finals.

"Just (feel) sorry for him. He works so hard. Wants to be on-field. He's a massive part of the team, brings a lot of energy and stuff like that.

"It didn't look great. Best wishes for him. Hoping he's alright."

Maika Sivo scored four tries for the Eels, including a first half hatrick.

The loss gives the Broncos to go clear on top of the NRL ladder when they take on the Raiders on Saturday night.