Tigers star Jarome Luai has conceded his “disappointment” in being left out of the Blues squad for Game I but earned praise for NSW coach Laurie Daley for his classy reaction to being overlooked.
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Despite his heroics for New South Wales during last year’s series win, Luai missed out this time around, with coach Laurie Daley preferring to go with two genuine No.7’s in Mitch Moses and Nathan Cleary at five-eighth and halfback respectively.
Luai found out he wouldn’t be heading into Blues camp as he was walking into the sheds shortly after the Tigers’ 22-12 loss to Souths.
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Daley detailed the phone call with Luai, with the Blues coach praising the way the star playmakers handled the news.
“It was a difficult one. I had to speak to Jarome after the game,” Daley said on the Big Sports Breakfast on Monday.
“I was able to get through to him and told him it was a gut feel with Mitch. I like the way he’s (Mitch) playing and his kicking game will be so important.
“I just feel that if Queensland try and put pressure on Nathan Cleary and his kicking game, he have an outstanding option in Mitch.
“Again, it was a tough call but Jarome handled it like a professional. He said he totally understands but he’ll be ready to go when called upon and I thought, wow, what a professional. A total pro.”
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Luai made himself available for media commitments at Campbelltown Stadium pretty much right after receiving Daley’s phone call.
While he acknowledged the setback was hard to hear, Luai believes he’s in a position where he can “control his selection”.
“He (Daley) just said, ‘I’m going to leave you out of game one, and stay ready’. Which I will be,” Luai said via AFP.
“I heard what I needed to hear. And I am content with it because I know I am in control of the selection at the end of the day.
“I am still figuring out what my best is here so I am looking forward to that process and I have a bit of work to do on my game.
“I am in control of the selection at the end of the day. Looking at my form and the way I have been playing, I know I can be better.
“It is just about owning that now and moving forward. At the end of the day, just be a man about it all.
“I am disappointed because I know what I am missing out on. And I think if I wasn’t (disappointed) I would probably be scared.”
