Luai leaves Penrith with best win rate in 44 years

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Luai leaves Penrith with best win rate in 44 years

Jarome Luai never used to think fairytales existed.

But after signing off with a fourth-straight premiership in his final game for Penrith even he is starting to believe.

“I do now, because it definitely feels like one” he told AAP.

“I’m in awe of it, to do what we’ve done with this team and to accomplish what we have is pretty special.

“I don’t think anyone will do this again.”

Luai was one of eight Panthers to cement their place as greats of the game by winning a fourth consecutive title on Sunday, defeating the Storm Melbourne 14-6.

The Samoan international, who will join Wests Tigers next season, was more than happy to show off his quartet of rings with a beaming grin.

Luai has always been seen as the spiritual heartbeat of this Penrith side and as he prepares to says his goodbyes, he leaves having carved out a legacy of his own.

Since 1980, no 100-game plus player has a higher win rate than the 82 per cent (107 wins from 131 games) that Luai has chalked up across his time at Penrith.

And in an encouraging sign for success-starved Tigers fans, Luai said: “I can get better as a player, personally I think I’m just scratching the surface.”

Luai has always had to play back-up act to Nathan Cleary, but at the Tigers he has a chance to be the leader of his own band.

He has faced fierce public scrutiny over his use of social media, his on-field persona and his ability to stand on his own two feet without Cleary by his side.

But after impressive performances for NSW and Penrith without the Panthers No. 7, the maturing Luai appears to have answered every question that has been asked of him.

“It’s not easy when the footy world turn against you and the media turn against you,” Cleary said of Luai.

“He has corrected that with the way he plays and the way he goes about his business.

“He has really taken on that villain arc too, and it’s paid him back. We know how much he means to us.

“I think he has stood up this year, not only on the field with the way he played but also his leadership went to another level. He’s going to be a great asset for the Tigers.”

Luai is expected to be named in Samoa’s squad for their first-ever tour of England later this week.

The 2022 World Cup, where he led his island nation to their maiden final, was when he came of age.

After conquering all before him in a Penrith jersey he wants to do the same in the Samoan one.

“At the moment I’m going but I’ll see how I pull up after all these beers,” Luai said.

“We’ve got a lot of great Samoan players and I want to be an inspiration for Samoan players and get them to commit to Samoa.

“I think we can go do something special.”

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