Luai finds his why in helping inspire Polynesian halves
Scott Bailey |
Jarome Luai has revealed how a desire to be a trailblazer for young Polynesian halves has been the driving force behind only ever wanting to play Tests for Samoa.
Some eight years after making his debut for the nation as a Penrith reserve grader, Luai can help take Samoa to a maiden trophy in Sunday’s Pacific Cup final against New Zealand.
Halves have for a long time been the biggest stumbling block for Pacific nations, who are often stocked with powerful outside backs and big middles.
But with Luai and Blaize Talagi in the halves, Samoa also loom as a genuine contender for next year’s World Cup after reaching the last final in 2022.
Talagai this week credited Luai as his inspiration in the halves, with his Penrith successor believing the half had long paved the way for young Polynesian playmakers.
“That’s my why,” Luai told AAP.
“It’s why I have always wanted to represent Samoa on the international stage. I haven’t represented anyone else.
“And that was always the vision behind it, for guys like Blaize and the next up-and-coming guys.
“All these guys that I think will be good enough one day to represent Origin and Australia, but they have Samoa in their hearts.”
Luai is one of only a handful of Polynesian halves to have played State of Origin, with his 10 games for the Blues the most of any Pacific Island playmaker.
“That in itself has been one of my biggest achievements, making it to that arena as a Polynesian half,” Luai said.
“Hopefully I have motivated other Poly halves to make it to that sort of arena one day. I’m just trying to be a pillar and set the way for the next.”
Luai is confident there will be more Polynesian halves that soon follow him into Origin.
Beyond Talagi, he has taken a keen interest in Tonga half Isaiya Katoa, who came through Penrith’s system and was brought into NSW State of Origin camp this year.
Samoa also have Kiwi-born Chanel Harris-Tavita as a play-making utility off their bench, while Luai’s Wests Tigers teammate Latu Fainu is viewed as a future Tongan talent.
“It’s going to happen naturally, because look at the percentages now of how many Polynesians there are in the league,” Luai said.
“Polys love this game, look at the turn outs, that’s where the heart of the game is at the moment.
“People are talking about growing the game, we need more Poly games on the big stage.”
A situation Talagi believes the Pacific Islands have Luai to thank for.
“Jarome has been able to pave the way and now we’ve got so many younger boys coming through,” he said.
“Having him is so good. Not just for me to play with and only just for this little island, but for the whole of rugby league.
“For us to be able to go up against the Kiwis and Australia, it’s so good. And he’s been such a big part of that.”
AAP
