In a moment few fans expected, one of the NRL’s most iconic duos is about to become rivals — at least for 80 minutes. Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary is preparing for what he describes as a “weird” and emotional clash against his long-time teammate and best friend, Jarome Luai. The two, who formed a dominant halves partnership during Penrith’s recent premiership run, will face off for the first time since Luai’s blockbuster switch to the Wests Tigers.
“It’s going to feel strange,” Cleary admitted. “We’ve been side by side through the highs and lows, built our careers together, and now we’re lining up on opposite sides. It’s definitely going to be a different kind of feeling.”
Their bond, forged over years of playing together, became one of the NRL’s strongest combinations — a perfect balance of Cleary’s structure and Luai’s instinctive creativity. But when Luai signed with the Tigers, it marked the end of an era and set the stage for an emotional reunion — only this time as opponents.
“I joked that he might’ve cried when we first talked about going our separate ways,” Cleary said with a laugh. “But honestly, it was tough on both of us. We’ve been like brothers on and off the field.”
Despite their closeness, Cleary made it clear that friendship would be put on hold once the game kicks off.
“We both know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, so that makes this matchup even more intense,” he said. “There’s no doubt we’ll both be giving it everything.”
While Luai has stayed mostly quiet in the lead-up to the game, those close to him say he’s feeling the weight of the moment too. The upcoming match isn’t just a key fixture for both clubs — it’s a personal chapter in the careers of two men who grew up in the game together.
Cleary said it best: “It’s not just another game. It’s two mates, two competitors, doing what they love — even if it means going head-to-head.”
The emotional stakes, combined with the talent on display, make this one of the season’s most anticipated matchups. For fans, it’s more than a game — it’s a reunion, a rivalry, and a rare moment where sport mirrors real life.