NSW has lost five-eighth Jarome Luai for State of Origin III after scans showed the Penrith five-eighth has injured the medial ligament in his knee.
Key points:
- Luai sustained the injury playing for the Panthers against the Eels on Friday night
- Scans on Saturday revealed the extent of damage to his knee
- Luai is expected to be replaced by Jack Wighton
Luai was injured in Penrith’s 13-12 win over Parramatta on Friday night when his foot was caught in a tackle during the second half.
He required attention on field but managed to play on.
The 24-year-old had scans on Saturday morning, revealing some minor damage.
Blues adviser Greg Alexander told Fox Sports Luai would not be available for Origin III, which is scheduled to be played in Sydney on July 14.
“He won’t play, Jarome’s no chance of playing, which is disappointing,” Alexander said.
Jack Wighton is expected to replace Luai at five-eighth.
Luai’s injury comes as another significant blow to the Blues’ hopes of a whitewash, after they already lost his halves partner Nathan Cleary with a shoulder injury.
“We’ve lost Nathan and we’ve also lost Jarome now,” Alexander said.
“We need a new half and a new five-eighth.”
Mitchell Moses is the favourite alongside Adam Reynolds to fill Cleary’s number seven jersey.
