Penrith playmaker Jarome Luai is free to be selected in the NSW Blues State of Origin squad after escaping with just a fine for a high shot during the Panthers’ 22-0 win over the Cowboys on Friday.
Late in the second half, Luai rushed up from the defensive line, getting his timing wrong and landing a high shot on Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater.
While he was immediately placed on report by referee Ashley Klein, the NRL’s match review committee on Saturday morning deemed the high shot to be only a grade one offence.
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Luai’s charge of a grade-one careless high tackle means the playmaker can accept a $1000 fine with no suspension.
The news will come as a major relief for NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler who on Sunday night will announce his team of 22 for game one on June 8.
Luai is Fittler’s likely first-choice selection for the five-eighth jersey after his successful NSW introduction last year.
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