But few remember that, before his NRL debut, he got his start at the 2017 World Cup. Back then, a fresh-faced, short-haired Luai was the only player picked for the tournament without an NRL apperance to his name, and appeared in three games.
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Speaking exclusively to The Roar’s Rugby League World Cup podcast, Luai is now looking to play the senior role in this year’s Samoa squad, where he will be one of the most respected players in the team.
“I’m really thankful that they gave me an opportunity to be around those guys in camp,” said the Panthers star of his 2017 experience. “I’m sure there’ll be a couple of boys in the situation that I was in a couple of years ago so what was done for me back then, I want to do the same, to be that leader and role model for them.
“I let my footy do the talking because I’ve played in a lot of big games now and those experiences will help me to be a successful leader.”
Luai will likely be joined by almost an entirely backline of Panthers teammates, most of whom have only burst on to the scene since international footy went dark because of Covid.
“I want to let them experience it for themselves, but they’re definitely excited about the opportunity,’ said the five eighth.
“I think they know in their minds that there are a lot of talented outside backs that are available for selection and they have their work cut out for them. But if we are all selected, it’ll be a good time for us.
“It’ll be similar to what we have at Penrith. Samoan culture has family at the forefront and that’s what we try to portray with praying after the game and being very happy every day with each other at training.
“Hopefully that’ll be there in the Samoan camp in that environment and I can’t wait to be there. I’ll go in there, be myself and enjoy the other boy’s company.”
He might go on to pass some of the knowledge from the last World Cup, but is far from the most experienced in the team. Some, such as Sea Eagles prop Martin Taupau and Knights halfback Anthony Milford have been with Toa Samoa since 2013.
“It’s important and good for the next generation to have the older guys there,” said Luai. “They’ve been there and done it before and live and breathe Samoa. Marty does, he’s very passionate about Samoan culture and what he’s going to bring to the team. It’s huge for us younger boys.”
World Cup Chasers is our new Rugby League World Cup podcast and will be released weekly all the way through to the final at Old Trafford in November.
It features exclusive interviews, plus expert analysis from The Roar rugby league writers Mike Meehall Wood and Mary Konstantopolous, as well as Michael Carbone from Chasing Kangaroos, the original international rugby league podcast.