Fittler earmarks Panthers duo for crucial Blues combo

NSW coach Brad Fittler isn't ruling out a Penrith halves duo for this year's Blues squad following Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai's strong start to the season.

The Panthers sit atop of the NRL ladder after five games this season in an unbeaten start to 2021.

Cleary has been Fittler's first-choice halfback since 2018, and it appears the Penrith playmaker could be joined by his partner in crime, Luai, who's so far enjoyed a dominant start to the year.

Luai is currently tied in first place on the try assists leaderboard with seven to his name, while also having notched seven linebreak assists through five games.

Nathan Cleary of the Panthers and Jarome Luai of the Panthers celebrate after winning the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Penrith Panthers and the Sydney Roosters at Panthers Stadium on October 02, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

"They play so well together," Fittler told Nine's Sunday Footy Show.

"I spoke to Jarome Luai after they played Melbourne [back in round two] when Matt Burton played and did a great job.

"I asked what it's like to have Nathan back and he said, 'It makes my game so much easier.'

"You see how comfortable they are together on the field."

When asked if he would consider naming the Penrith duo, Fittler admitted he likes players who have already built a combination.

"You always look for combinations," he added.

"You only get ten days normally to build up for a State of Origin game and that's why so many times you look for combinations."

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from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/brad-fittler-excited-by-possible-nathan-cleary-jarome-luai-blues-combination/20c84e4f-3cfb-4753-9da7-fa7ef20015f1

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