Luai beats 'million to one' odds to face Storm

Penrith has named both Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary for its preliminary final against the Melbourne Storm.

While Cleary was expected to line up despite hurting his finger in training on Monday, Luai's inclusion is much more of a surprise.

The star five-eighth has been nursing a shoulder injury and was thought to be a "million to one" chance to be fit for the preliminary final, according to league legend Phil Gould on Nine's 100% Footy on Monday night.

LIVE UPDATES: 'A rarity': Panthers reveal truth about Cleary finger injury

READ MORE: 'Hated it': Junkyard Dog nickname veiled inner turmoil

READ MORE: Ex-NRL star faces monster ban after 'gee up' charge

There's also positive news on the injury front for the Storm, with Jahrome Hughes named to face the Panthers after missing last week's semi final win over the Roosters with a calf injury. 

Jerome Luai of the Panthers is assisted from the field after sustaining an injury during the round 26 NRL match between Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels at BlueBet Stadium on August 24, 2023 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Stream every game of the 2023 NRL finals series live and free on 9Now

Here are the full team lists for this weekend's two preliminary finals. 

FRIDAY

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm, 7.50pm (AEST) at Accor Stadium

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Luke Garner 18. Tyrone Peachey 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Zac Hosking 21. Luke Sommerton 22. Thomas Jenkins

Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Reimis Smith 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Tom Eisenhuth 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Tariq Sims 18. Grant Anderson 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Sualauvi Faalogo 21. Tepai Moeroa 22. Chris Lewis

Referee: Adam Gee

SATURDAY

Brisbane Broncos vs Warriors, 7.50pm (AEST) at Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Brendan Piakura 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Keenan Palasia 18. Corey Oates 19. Martin Taupau 20. Corey Jensen 21. Jock Madden 22. Tristan Sailor

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Bayley Sironen 17. Josh Curran 18. Freddy Lussick 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Edward Kosi

Referee: Gerard Sutton

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply