Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai in massive Panthers switch in throwback to NRL grand final

Nathan Cleary has given an insight into the slightly different tactic he will implement for the Panthers as he looks to reprise his impromptu NRL grand final role for the remainder of 2024. Cleary has been back for two weeks in the NRL after sitting out 10 weeks of action due to a hamstring injury.

The halfback has returned with a point to prove and showed why he is considered the best halfback in the game with a three-try effort against the Dragons last weekend. And the halfback also implemented a new role for himself during the win as he interchanged as first and second receiver with halves partner Jarome Luai throughout the contest.

In the NRL grand final last year, Cleary took the second-receiver role when Jack Cogger came on for the injured Luai and stepped into the halves. This was unusual for the No.7 who often enjoys getting the first touch on the ball to guide his team around the park. Cleary went on to dominate the game for the final 20 minutes to help the Panthers win their third straight title.

And having watched Luai play a first-receiver role while he was injured, Cleary thought he could employ the tactic more going forward for himself to give Luai more control. "I think (the combination) does change," Cleary said.

"The way he excelled while I was out, being in that first-receiver role. I want to try and complement that. That was the one main difference while I was out, finding areas I could complement his game and help him do things he was doing really well."

In his player-of-the-match performance against the Dragons, Luai passed to Cleary five-times. Luai also spent time organising the line. He also made the most touches in a game this year, 56, playing alongside Cleary in the halves.

This allowed Cleary to focus on his running game, which saw him clock up 242 running metres in a career-best. "We have a good understanding of each other. We know when (it's time for Luai to take charge and for me to go second receiver)," Cleary said.

"That is probably why I enjoy playing with him so much, sometimes we don't have to talk. We can look at each other and follow a play. We are constantly talking to each other about what works for him and what works for me, and how we can give our best for the team."

Nathan Cleary lauds partnership with Jarome Luai

The move spells danger for the Panthers' rivals with Cleary and Luai keen to finish their dynasty together on a high. Luai has opted to move to the Wests Tigers on a five-year deal worth a reported $6 million.

Luai and Cleary have won three premierships together forming the best halves combination in the business. But Cleary has admitted he isn't looking past this year's competition and is keen to keep evolving with Luai until the end.

"You have to constantly evolve," Cleary said of their changing combination. "You can't just be happy with where you're at. Because teams get better every year and teams get better every week.

"They're always coming for you, so you have to keep getting better. And that's no different for me and Romey and our combination."