Jarome Luai sidelined for vital Tigers showdown as NSW Blues selectors anxiously await news on star player

Wests Tigers five-eighth Jarome Luai has been sidelined for the team’s match against Manly this Friday night, prompting a reshuffle within the squad.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Luai is dealing with a boil on his chest and missed Thursday’s captain’s run.

Given that Luai’s absence is attributed solely to an infection, it’s unlikely to jeopardise his participation in Origin III on July 9.

Luai took part in Origin II on June 18 and then played just two days later in the Tigers’ loss to the Raiders.

If Luai had played on Friday, he would have participated in three matches within a span of 10 days.

Coach Benji Marshall has opted against that risk and is anticipated to shift Api Koroisau into the halves while Tallyn Da Silva takes on the role of hooker.

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Luai is likely to be selected as the five-eighth for Laurie Daley’s Blues squad once again on Sunday night.

Da Silva is presently in talks with other clubs regarding a possible departure from the Tigers, coinciding with the team’s decision to prioritise Koroisau’s signing.

This week, 100% Footy revealed that Jahream Bula would also be unavailable for possibly a month due to a hamstring strain.