.png)
5 months ago
33
Polarising NSW Blues star Jarome Luai has opened up about receiving death threats following his tone deaf social media post last June - and why he has dropped a previous habit ahead of the 2024 series.
Luai, 27, was recalled to the side in the midst of an injury crisis for game one and will partner Nicho Hynes in a new-look halves combination.
Taking on a senior role under new coach Michael Maguire, the Panthers pivot wants redemption - and for Blues fans to get around him.
Luai knows some sections of supporters won't forgive him following his infamous 'Chill, All you idiots have work tomorrow morning' Instagram post - but stressed emotions were high when he grabbed his phone to vent.
NSW had just lost the series - and Luai was sent off following a scuffle with Maroons x-factor Reece Walsh.
Polarising NSW Blues star Jarome Luai has opened up about receiving death threats following his tone deaf social media post last June
Luai infamously posted: 'Chill, All you idiots have work tomorrow morning' on Instagram last year (pictured) - but stressed emotions were high when he grabbed his phone to vent
NSW had just lost the series - and Luai was sent off (pictured) following a scuffle with Maroons x-factor Reece Walsh
2GB commentator Ray Hadley led the chorus of criticism, pointed out some fans Luai mocked would have to work for three to six months to earn the $30,000 he collected for a single game of representative footy.
'I responded out of anger. I want to make amends for that,' Luai told the Sydney Morning Herald.
'I'm not proud with how I dealt with that. I was a bit emotional, and then had to watch game three [after he was dropped].
'I want them [fans] to see my passion for the jersey. I wear it with pride.'
Luai has waited 350 days for another shot at Origin level - an opportunity he feared may never again present itself.
With the likes of Mitchell Moses and Matt Burton waiting in the wings, the five-eighth knows he must perform or perish.
His maturity has also risen - rather than search for his name and subsequent articles online, the three-time NRL premiership winner has found balance and peace in his life.
Luai's trademark boombox from previous Origin camps was left at home, with the five-eighth showing from the moment he was picked he means business.
'I've put it on pause,' he said earlier this week from NSW's training base in the Blue Mountains. 'Madge is big on culture.'
Former coach and NSW legend Laurie Daley backed the move from Luai, feeling it is essential the playing group remains unified.
Kick-off in game one is 8:05pm on Wednesday night at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
English (US)