An unusually reticent Jarome Luai let his football do the talking with his starring role in Penrith's emphatic 34-16 NRL win over Melbourne.
NSW Origin playmaker Luai outplayed Queensland rival Cameron Munster at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, although the Storm No.6 went into the match under an illness cloud.
The polarising Panthers star was put on report for a dangerous tackle on Melbourne's Jahrome Hughes, however he escaped with a fine to remain available for Origin III in Sydney on July 12.
Usually open to the media, Luai rejected post-game interview requests, intent on keeping his head down after he received death threats on social media over his head-butting clash with Queensland's Reece Walsh late in game two of the Origin series loss.
NSW coach Brad Fittler is reportedly looking to shake up his NSW side for the dead-rubber game three, with Nicho Hynes or Cody Walker possibilities to replace Luai.
Fittler is also considering skipper James Tedesco's position in the team, with Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards continuing to make a strong case for inclusion.
Edwards didn't want to be drawn into the selection chat, backing Tedesco to stay on.
"I don't have any thoughts on that and I don't know what is going to go on there. Teddy is there and he's our NSW captain so I'll back him," Edwards said when asked about his own NSW chances.
But Edwards was happy to talk about Panthers teammate Luai, who he felt delivered under immense pressure on Friday night and deserved to keep his NSW duties.
"I thought he was brilliant and he looked dangerous every time he touched the footy," Edwards said.
"We love him. We stand by Romey (Luai) and I love playing alongside him and he played really well so whatever is going on outside of footy I don't think it's really affected him.
"He copped a little bit from the last Origin or whatever but he comes out there and performs like that - it's a credit to him."
Bench specialist Spencer Leniu helped crack open the Storm and turn the game Penrith's way and has been touted for the same role in the Blues line-up for Origin III.
Edwards is a big fan of the hard-hitting prop.
"Spencer is outstanding - I can't wrap Spenny enough and he plays a really tough brand of football," Edwards said.
"He's been doing that bench role for a few years and honed in how he plays.
"It's the energy he brings, just the intent he carries the ball with and his aggression in defence. It just suits him down to a tee.
"I really hope he gets a crack whether this year or next year."
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary said Leniu brought energy to the match and could do the same for the Blues.
"He's grown as a player this year," Cleary said.
"He certainly adds a lot to our team when he comes on so I'm sure he wouldn't let anyone down."
