- Cooper Cronk has savagely attacked Panthers center Jarome Luai
- Luai had to leave last year’s grand final due to a shoulder injury
- He was replaced by Jack Cogger during the comeback.
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Football legend Cooper Cronk made the incredible claim that Penrith would not have won the NRL grand final last year if Jarome Luai had stayed on the field in the second half.
Kevin Walters’ Broncos looked the likely victors at 24-8 following an Ezra Mam hat-trick, before Nathan Cleary produced an individual masterclass to guide the Panthers to an epic 26-24 win.
Cleary provided two assists (for Moses Leota and Stephen Crichton) and then scored the winning try himself with three minutes remaining to clinch a third successive title.
According to Cronk, Ivan Cleary’s men would have tasted defeat had Luai not aggravated his injured shoulder and been forced to retire.
The four-time premiership-winning halfback also noted Jack Cogger’s calming influence in the halves when he replaced Luai.
Football legend Cooper Cronk has attracted attention after suggesting Penrith would not have won the NRL grand final last year if Jarome Luai had stayed on the field in the second half.
Luai was injured early and Cronk believes that is when Penrith’s luck changed
Nathan Cleary engineered a return for good, with Jack Cogger playing an important role in the eyes of Cooper Cronk.
“It may seem crazy to say it, but if Jarome Luai stays on the field, Brisbane will win,” Cronk told the Matty Johns podcast.
“Jack Cogger comes on the field (in the second half) and creates space for Cleary to become a ball runner and line breaker… it was crucial.”
To emphasize his point, Cronk highlighted Leota’s try in the 62nd minute, which gave his team a fighting chance at 24-14.
“Go back and watch Leota try – Cogger’s ballplay is so good that he creates space for Cleary to get past (Kurt) Capewell,” he said.
‘And again for Crichton’s attempt: you look at the nuances Cogger does with his footwork and his eyes. He looks in, plays and goes straight, and creates enough space for Nathan to get the ball.”
Johns was on the same page, stating that he believed the Panthers were too “pass-focused” and that the halves, Luai and Cleary, were out of rhythm.
When Cogger entered the fray, he was the first receiver, allowing Cleary to play pick-up football.
Cogger is now on the Knights’ books, while Luai is in his final season at Penrith before joining the Wests Tigers in 2025.