In the world of professional rugby, few partnerships have been as dominant and enduring as that of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai. The dynamic duo has been making waves since their early teenage years, and their chemistry on the field is a testament to their deep understanding of the game.
Cleary, now 26, and Luai, 27, have been inseparable since they first teamed up as 15-year-olds. Their partnership has yielded an impressive 106 wins out of 133 matches across all levels, a remarkable feat that speaks to their exceptional compatibility.
Their journey began in the under-16s Harold Matthews competition, where Luai, then known as Broadbridge, was the halfback and organizer. Cleary, a calm and collected presence, joined forces with Luai, bringing a new level of freedom to their gameplay. Their coach at the time, Brett Atkinson, recalls how the pairing liberated both players, allowing them to flourish in their respective roles.
As they progressed through the ranks, Cleary and Luai continued to complement each other perfectly. Luai’s off-the-cuff style was balanced by Cleary’s organizational skills, and their understanding of the game allowed them to make each other better.
Their success is not limited to their individual talents; it’s the result of a deep-seated trust and respect for one another. They’ve never let ego or jealousy get in the way of their partnership, instead choosing to work together in harmony.
On Sunday, Cleary and Luai will take to the field for their final ride together as teammates, facing off against Melbourne in the grand final. It’s a bittersweet moment, as Luai prepares to depart for Wests Tigers, but their legacy as one of the greatest halves combinations in rugby league history is already cemented.
As they prepare to make history, their opponents are well aware of the threat they pose. Melbourne’s Cameron Munster acknowledges that Cleary and Luai are just two pieces of a well-oiled machine, surrounded by talented teammates like Dylan Edwards, Liam Martin, James Fisher-Harris, and Moses Leota.
For Cleary and Luai, Sunday marks the culmination of a 13-year journey that began on the training fields of Penrith. As they reflect on their time together, they know that their partnership has been the key to their success. Luai credits Cleary with setting the standard he’s chased his whole career, and their bond will remain unbroken, even as they go their separate ways.
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