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“We all found out at the same time that he was leaving.
“I never could have pictured Romy in another jersey. Now he’s secured his future, we can focus on this year and try to make it special.
Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai celebrate victory in last year’s grand final, their third straight premiership win together.Credit: NRL Photos
“It’s a fair squad we’ve lost over the years now. I’ve played the longest with Romy, we’re in the halves together, so that makes it tougher. He really represents what we’re about as a team, and he’s from the area.
“The more players leave, the more you become accustomed to it happening.
“It’s my last ride with him.”
Coach Ivan Cleary said in October clubs could be taking a “risk” throwing big money at Luai, who was yet to prove that he could lead a team around the park as a halfback.
When Luai signed with the Tigers, he said he had no issues with the coach’s comments, and nor did Nathan.
Nathan Cleary and Jarome Laui have had many great moments together at the foot of the mountains.Credit: Getty
“Romy is someone driven by a challenge, and I think a big part of him wanting to go to the Tigers was that challenge,” Cleary said.
“He was able to set his family up financially, but there was that challenge he has not had before.
“If you look at the Tigers, they have a lot of world-class players: Api [Koroisau] is there, Benji [Marshall] is the coach. They’re in a good position to do well.
“Like Romy, I was also a Benji fan as well. He was an absolute freak as a player, and people were jealous of what he could do. I’ve met him a few times. He’s a legend of a bloke.”
Luai underwent shoulder surgery after the NRL grand final and is aiming for a return in round one. His absence from the bulk of field sessions has given Penrith a snapshot of what life might look like without him in the halves.
Cleary said it was only now that he felt comfortable with his own standing in the game to be ready to help bring through the next No.6.
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“I feel I’m at the age and the stage of my career where I’m ready to actually help a young guy and build a combination,” Cleary said.
“It would have been hard to do if you had two young halves like Romy and I were when we were coming through.
“With Romy leaving, it’s a challenge for me trying to lift the boys around me and in a short amount of time.
“Because Romy and I know each other’s game, it’s become quite comfortable for us. We’re yin and yang but always in sync.