“This is the best team we’ve ever had in Samoa.”
High praise indeed from halfback Jarome Luai, who should know as he’s been involved in 15 Tests for Samoa and is playing in his third World Cup for the Pacific Island nation.
Everyone remembers Samoa’s gallant fight to the World Cup final four years ago.
His summation wasn’t just based on the 74-point winning margin against France on Friday night but also the fact 10 different players posted the 13 tries proving the strength across the line-up.
There were two debutants on the field – Knights back-rowers Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua, who had 17 tackle breaks between them - and five players who have three Tests or less to their name.
Sualauvi Fa'alogo 2nd Try
“Those two Knights boys, man, talented... and Sua Fa’alogo, he lit the stage up tonight,” Luai told NRL.com.
“I love seeing these younger boys getting out there and showing what they’re made of.
“They are making me feel old these young boys but thank goodness they’re with me for the next few games.”
Jermaine McEwen Try
After a torrid end to the NRL season for Luai he was uplifted to finally make the switch from club to country and get away from the headlines surrounding his time at Wests Tigers.
“This was always the thing for me. Everyone looks forward to representing on the international stage,” Luai said. “One down, couple more to go.
“I’m just happy to be in camp because I always look forward to representing Samoa.
I love pulling on the blue jersey and being back with some of my brothers I haven’t played with in a while
France coach Laurent Frayssinous was glowing about the speed and power of the Samoan team.
“All praise to France because many of them aren’t used to day-in day-out NRL grind and the rules are a little different to Super League,” Luai said in response.
“We thank France for putting on a good display for us, but it’s onto the next match for us.”
Stephen Crichton Try
And that takes the Samoans to Papua New Guinea to play the Kumuls at Santos National Football Stadium next Saturday.
Luai is hoping he gets a few supporters barracking for him due to his PNG Chiefs connection in 2028.
“Hopefully a few will cheer for me. I’ll be giving out some Samoan jerseys when we get there so you might see a few blue ones in the crowd," he said.
Meantime, it’s time to nurse a few bruised ribs and get some recovery back into the body after his first game in five weeks.
Siva Tau shakes the rafters
“I definitely do have all my ribs still – counted them – but it has been a while so I felt those lungs burning,” Luai said.
“But it’s a good thing to get the game fitness back in and getting amongst the boys again. I love playing footy with them.”
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