“Your parents might think something is best for you, but for me, I always wanted to be here. This is where I feel comfortable,” he said. “He is someone who always helped me with my footy when I was younger as well. When I was around 16, he always used to talk to me back then. Gus is definitely someone I trust and still do.

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“I just always listen to his advice and he knew what was best for my game, so I’m happy I did. He helped me out a lot. I have a lot of time for Gus.”

After the chat with Gould, Luai signed to stay with the Panthers. Earlier this year, the 24-year-old put pen to paper on another three-year deal to keep him at the foot of the mountains until at least the end of the 2024 season.

Luai said choosing the advice of Gould over his father was now something he laughed about with his old man.

While a Dragons supporter at heart, Luai said his father was also now a proud Penrith fan.

It was a moment in his career Luai is thankful for and believes was a turning point for his maturity in the game.

“It was a bit hard [at the time] because my parents are my number ones. I just knew this was something that I could do. I could break through that barrier and could be a regular first-grader here,” he said. “I’m glad I waited.”

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