The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio has revealed what punishment Jarome Luai is likely to receive following an incident with a match official during the Panthers’ win over the Broncos on Thursday night.
Luai made contact with the touchline official after Penrith winger Sunia Turuva crossed over for the opening try.
Riccio believes that given the nature of the contact, Luai will be fortunate and only receive a fine.
“This is going to be interesting,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“We have had situations in the past where players have made contact with referees.
“Tyson Firzell touched a ref back in 2016 and was given a one-match suspension.
“Sam McKendry, formerly with the Panthers, was also given a one-game suspension after he was found guilty of contrary conduct.
“Other players like Johnathon Thurston and Keiran Foran have been let off with fines in the past or sometimes no charge at all.
“Jaromue Luai is headed down the fine path, (but) it will be a heavy fine.”
Luai faces a nervous wait as NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler names his Game I squad on Monday and if the incumbent five-eighth was to be suspended, he would find himself unavailable for Origin.
Riccio believes that the proximity of Origin will play a major part in Luai’s punishment.
“The arrival of Origin will play a factor and I really believe that,” Riccio said.
“It’s a funny old game and I think in the back of the league’s mind, is the potential of Luai missing Origin.
“I don’t think they will go down that path.
“I just think that it will be a heavy fine.”