After most players had cleared the field on Sunday night following Penrith’s fourth successive premiership win, Jarome Luai lingered.
With his back against the goalposts and the blinding lights of Accor Stadium bearing down on him, he was soaking up his time in the spotlight, wearing a Panthers jersey, one last time.
Jarome Luai lingers on the field after his fourth successive premiership with the Panthers. Credit: Nine
It was a deep breath moment for Luai, as the elation of a fourth premiership ring mixed with the knowledge he might never do it again. Or, at least, he will never do it again with Penrith.
As he took a knee on the turf before exiting the field, Luai thought to himself, “it’s been a special ride”.
“I got a bit emotional there, I’m just really thankful, grateful to do what I’ve done and learnt what I’ve learnt from these guys and coaches,” he said. “It’s pretty much everyone before me, everyone that’s left the club, everyone who’s here today. It’s been a special ride.
“I wouldn’t say [I’m] upset, but I spoke to my dad before, and it’s sinking in that I won’t be here any more. This is how I wanted it to be, this is how I wanted it to end and that’s more what I’m focused on. I’ll deal with all the emotion later on, but I’m over the moon.”
Before Luai had time to himself, he took a moment with Nathan Cleary. Foreheads together, arms around one another, Luai paid homage to his halves partner of more than a decade with a bold declaration, “best to ever do it”.
“I don’t think anyone will do what we’ve done ever again, what we’ve done here,” Luai said. “We’ve got a few sons in this team, so maybe they’ll be the ones to break this record.”