Only one game remains in Jarome Luai's storied Panthers tenure - a fifth-straight grand final, and a rematch against the only team to best them on the biggest stage.
Across seven seasons, Luai has grown into one of the most electric players in the league, a key part of three premierships and 10 appearances for the Blues at State of Origin level.
But as the star prepares for his send-off, he can't help but cast his mind back to his first time starting in the Penrith jersey.
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Jarome Luai reflects on NRL debut
Before he was the Panthers star five-eighth, Luai was another promising young Penrith junior looking to make his mark on the league.
As he prepares for his final game for his boyhood team, he has reflected on the game that announced him to the world.
"It’s right up there," said Luai to Fox Sports about his first NRL start, round 17 of 2018 against the Warriors.
"I was in a position where I was jumping at the bullet and I was ready to play. I thought I had done the work and that I’ll just unleash that night and it was a big night for my family.
"That was my first opportunity to start in that role and without the Origin guys there was no real pressure... no one gave us a chance to win... probably to this day, that’s one of my best games over there.
"It was a good night and one I’ll never forget."
Luai will now prepare for the 2024 grand final against the Melbourne Storm, before he departs for the Wests Tigers in 2025.
