Jarome Luai is Brad Fittler’s NSW team bolter after four members of the defeated grand finalists received calls over the home state on Sunday night
Luai was the big shock as the Blues included seven players from both top two teams in the NRL, including Panthers Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Stephen Crichton There was no room for Liam Martin and Moses Leota
Melbourne’s premiers were honored when medal winner Clive Churchill Ryan Papenhuyzen, Josh Addo-Carr and Dale Finucane were recruited into the squad
The seven players will join Fittler’s side at the Central Coast camp later this week after the Storm withstood a furious rally from the Panthers to win the 26-20 Grand Final at ANZ Stadium
Craig Bellamy’s side led 26-0 at the start of the second half but ended the game with two men in the trash after Jahrome Hughes and Brandon Smith sat down for professional fouls
Luai’s selection was by far the biggest surprise considering Fittler already has Luke Keary and Cody Walker scrambling to partner Cleary for the series opener in Adelaide next Wednesday night.
Asked about the selections of the uncapped trio, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary said: « I’m really happy for them They all deserve it Maybe that’s a cold comfort but that will only help our team and they have made incredible progress this year «
Martin and Leota were seen as a high chance to call on NSW’s first team, but they were overlooked
Papenhuyzen will give Fittler some reassurance with outgoing half-back James Tedesco under a cloud with a knee injury The Storm flyer is also being sized for a bench role
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State of Origin 2020, Jarome Luai, Wellington NSW
World News – UA – Luai named NSW bolter as Fittler finalizes Team Origin
