Jack Cogger replaced Luai in the final 28 minutes and played his part as the Panthers staged the biggest comeback in NRL grand final history,overturning a 24-8 deficit to win through a Cleary try with just over three minutes left.

“I didn’t[know how much Luai was struggling],” Panthers centre Stephen Crichton said. “That’s how tough he is. He doesn’t make the scene at all. He just goes about his business.

“When he went off,I knew that there was something wrong with him.”

Luai’s contract status will be one of the biggest talking points of the off-season with the Panthers having less than a month to tie down their superstar before he can field formal offers from rival clubs.

He’s been consistently linked to the Bulldogs,where Penrith’s former assistant Cameron Ciraldo is desperately trying to improve his roster.

But Luai certainly gave no hint he was about to abandon the Panthers in a jubilant dressing room after full-time.

Asked whether the Panthers were the best team in the NRL era,Luai said:“Yes sir,the resume speaks for itself. No other team has done this. Hate us,love us,you can’t argue with that. We’re just getting started.”

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