“We Gave Him a Hard Time”: Benji Marshall Opens Up About Feeling Sympathy for Jarome Luai Following Late NSW Call-Up

Benji Marshall has expressed his sympathy for Jarome Luai, who recently received a “dream” call-up to the NSW Blues for the second State of Origin game, despite the Wests Tigers star’s mixed feelings about the situation.

Having been passed over for the series opener in favour of Mitchell Moses, Luai made his return on Wednesday evening during the narrow 26-24 defeat to Queensland.

His inclusion in the squad was necessitated by Moses sustaining a calf injury during the training camp, prompting Laurie Daley to hurriedly summon the 28-year-old to the team’s Blue Mountains training base.

Marshall revealed at a press conference on Thursday that Luai might not have been in the best shape when the call came and shared his thoughts on the five-eighth’s contribution during the game.

“I genuinely felt a bit for him, as we really worked him hard in training on Thursday since we had a bye and focused on fitness,” the Tigers coach stated.

“He was keen for some extra training to boost his fitness before being called into camp.

“It’s tough, but playing at the highest level is what you strive for. He felt disappointed about missing game one, so being back in the mix was a significant moment for him.

“I thought he contributed well to their tries. In the second half, he was instrumental in constructing several plays on their left side, and I reckon if they had gone there one more time, they might have clinched it.”

Luai created two try assists with clever grubber kicks and played a role in additional scoring opportunities, yet it wasn’t sufficient for the Blues to secure a win and establish a two-nil lead in the series.

There was also speculation surrounding a first-half incident that saw Luai reported for a possible eye gouge on Reuben Cotter. However, the number six has since been cleared, facing only a contrary conduct charge and a 13 per cent fine on his match fee.

Marshall confessed to concerns when Luai was cited for the incident.

“Yes, I was quite worried – but it’s no longer my concern,” he stated.

“He received a fine and he’ll be right to play. I wasn’t surprised, but you can never be too sure. I don’t believe it was intentional on his part, but that’s not for me to judge anymore.

“It’s been resolved, he has his fine – that’s how it goes, and he will move forward.”

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Luai is expected to return to Sydney on Thursday evening and, as things stand, based on initial discussions with Marshall, he is set to feature in Friday night’s crucial round 16 clash against the Canberra Raiders.

“Apparently, he’s feeling pretty good … we’ll check in tonight. At the moment, he’s keen to play,” Marshall revealed.

“In our conversation, I asked how he was feeling and he answered, ‘I’m good to go, coach, put me in’. You have to trust your senior players, but we’ll conduct a medical evaluation when he returns tonight to see how he’s holding up.”

“We’ve got contingency plans in place … but having him available would be a bonus.”

The defeat for NSW, which has now set up a decider in the series, has sparked renewed calls for Terrell May from the Tigers to be included in Daley’s squad.

Marshall is adamant that the controversial player is more than capable of stepping up to the challenge.

“Terrell doesn’t need to prove anything to us – we just want him to keep performing at his best each week,” the former Kiwis star remarked.

“Not many front-rowers can match his output week in and week out, especially with the minutes he logs. It’s a demanding position, and to be effective throughout the game is challenging, yet he’s doing exactly that.

“I truly believe he has a strong chance to put his hand up for Origin III in the coming weeks and earn that opportunity. In my eyes, he deserves to be there.

“You always hope your players get a shot at representative footy. I can see how much it would mean to him, and if he gets that chance, I know he won’t let anyone down.”