Roosters to target Penrith Panthers star Jarome Luai in defence in finals opener
He's been one of the big success stories of the season for Penrith, but the Roosters have identified Jarome Luai as the potential weak link in Friday night's big opening finals clash.
Daring and creative with the ball, Luai was a major factor in the Panthers' charge to the minor premiership.
But the Roosters have broken down Luai's game and found that his defence may be wanting - and will run their big men at him all night.
At just 184cm and 88kg, Luai will be one of the smallest men on the field in the crucial game.
The youngster is brave, happy to put his body on the line, but the Roosters believe he will struggle tackling their giant edge forwards, particularly close to the tryline.
Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai will be targeted by the Roosters in week one of the NRL finals. Getty
Luai made 14 tackles in the Panthers' big win over the Bulldogs last weekend, but missed three.
In attack, he was close to man of the match, setting up three tries and looking dangerous every time he had the ball.
The teams haven't met since the opening round of the season, way back on March 14, when the Panthers won 20-14 at home.
Again, Luai looked sharp but missed four tackles.
"He's a livewire kid and great with the ball, but we plan to test him in defence, for sure," a Roosters source told Wide World of Sports.
