Panthers star Jerome Luai suffers shoulder injury against Eels

Aug 24, 2023, 06:54 AM ET

Penrith may be without Jarome Luai in their push for a third consecutive premiership after the star five-eighth dislocated his left shoulder against Parramatta.

Eels defenders Bryce Cartwright and Joey Lussick twisted Luai awkwardly as they attempted to hold him up in goal during the first half of Thursday’s clash at Penrith Stadium.

Luai remained on the ground after the tackle was completed, cradling his left arm.

Jerome Luai nurses an arm complaint. Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The 26-year-old left the field, with Jack Cogger replacing him as Nathan Cleary’s new halves partner, but his shoulder popped back into place in the sheds.

Any long-term injury would be a significant blow to the ladder-leading Panthers, with the finals starting the weekend after next.

Luai has been Penrith’s five-eighth throughout four dominant seasons, playing in their 2021 and 2022 premiership teams, and is a cornerstone of their attack on the left edge.

The Panthers rely on his creativity with the football to complement Nathan Cleary, the side’s tactician in the halves.