Jarome Luai has loved what he’s seen from Latu Fainu this season, with the young half only “scratching the surface” of his freakish talent as he prepares to make the permanent move to the halves alongside the NSW No.6.

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Fainu will get the chance to start at halfback for just the fourth time on Friday night when he takes on his former side the Sea Eagles in a vital game for both clubs as they look to stay in touch with the top eight.

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall indicated last week that Fainu was the club’s long-term halves option alongside Luai now that Lachlan Galvin is no longer there, with the move fast-tracked by an injury to Jahream Bula that moves Heath Mason to fullback.

“The potential he has (excites me the most),” Luai said.

“You’ve seen little bits here and there, but he hasn’t played 80 minutes yet, which is what I’m excited about and how he can impact the game for the full 80.

“He’s played 40 (minutes) here and there, but I think he’s excited to take the field in that starting seven.

“I’ve got full belief in him in what he can bring to our team. I’m also excited because he’s keen to get out there, strut his stuff, just be himself and do his stuff.”

Fainu has played just four matches this year due to persistent hamstring injuries and a broken thumb, but he returned a couple of weeks ago off the bench and transformed their attack when he came on in the middle of the field.

“We haven’t had much training and reps together,” Luai said.

“The fact we’re able to get out there and put some tries and points together on the field without having the reps in the bank is really exciting for me because we have a bit of work in our foundation as a combination together.

“I think we’ve gotten some results together with him just scratching the surface. I’m really keen to build on that.

“My favourite thing about Latu is his defence. He goes after blokes, big or small, so I’m really excited about that aspect of his game.

“He’s a real student of the game. He hasn’t had many reps in the bank with me, but he goes out on game day and kills it, so he’s got that potential.

“Now it’s about putting that work in behind the scenes and the results will come on the field.”

Mason had started the past few games at five-eighth but will return to fullback a week after signing a new deal with the club.

He’s been told to just be himself and not try to play like Bula, with Mason predicting big things from Fainu on Friday night.

“He’s a freak,” he said. “He’ll go out there and kill it.”

The Tigers have lost five on the trot – including their past three all by four points – but have the firepower to trouble the out of sorts Sea Eagles.

Luai will be the key to pulling off the upset after a chaotic fortnight during which he trained with the Tigers before he was rushed into Blues camp to replace the injured Mitchell Moses.

“I’m good, that’s my job and that’s what I’m here to do – to inspire and motivate a young team. That’s all I want to be for this team,” he said, declaring he’s ready to play halfback for NSW in the slim chance Nathan Cleary is ruled out.

“I’m captain, and captains need to lead by example.

“There are no excuses here. I’ve got to do my job and do it to the best of my ability.”