A remorseful Jarome Luai wants to leave his spat with Queensland fullback Reece Walsh in the past as he savours a State of Origin recall many thought might not come around again.
Always happy to play the role of pantomime villain, Penrith five-eighth Luai was axed by NSW after being sin-binned in Origin II following a set-to with Walsh.
The rumbling feud had been sparked in Origin I when Luai had his hair pulled by Walsh, who subsequently ran away to avoid retribution.
Luai was hung out to dry by NSW in the aftermath of Origin II but given an injury crisis has upturned Michael Maguire’s maiden Blues squad – the No.6 has earned a rapid recall for next Wednesday’s series opener in Sydney.
The Samoan international is set to partner Nicho Hynes in the halves and hinted his long-running battle with Walsh would be left at the door.
“He (Walsh) wears his heart on his sleeve and he’s a competitor because that’s what it takes to get into this Origin arena in the first place,” Luai said.
I wear this jersey with pride and I want to do everything I can to get the win, I’m playing for my family and everyone in NSW so that’s where my passion comes from.”
Luai has never been short of self-belief but there seems to be a part of him which recognises that after last year’s loss of composure, he is fortunate to be back in NSW colours.
Through an injury-ravaged opening 12 rounds of the NRL, Maguire saw Cody Walker, Mitchell Moses, Adam Reynolds and Nathan Cleary sidelined for the series opener.
