Penrith superstar Jarome Luai has not given up on returning this season despite suffering a serious shoulder injury last night.
Luai left the field in the first half after dislocating the shoulder while trying to score a try in the 32-18 loss.
After initial fears his season was over, Luai has been given a glimmer of hope by scans this morning.
“The representative playmaker has avoided immediate surgery however there is significant damage to the shoulder,” the Panthers said in a statement.
“Luai will immediately begin rehabilitation on the injured shoulder in a bid to return during the NRL Finals Series.”
Luai will miss Penrith’s opening Finals game but is targeting a return in the Preliminary Final should the Panthers make it.
The 26-year-old told The Sydney Morning Herald this afternoon: “I feel good. It’s not too sore. People are asking me how I slept and if I got any sleep at all. I think I got eight hours, so I think that’s a good sign.”
When asked if he expected to return this season, he said: “Yes sir. Definitely.”
The Panthers’ chances of claiming the Minor Premiership took a significant blow last night with Brisbane now in the box seat to take first place on the ladder.
Regardless, the Panthers have locked in a BlueBet Stadium Final in the first weekend of the playoffs.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.