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BLUES ROOKIE PICKS SAMOA OVER AUSTRALIA
Most NSW Blues players have a desperate desire to take that next step to wearing a Kangaroos jersey.
Not Jarome Luai, the livewire Penrith five-eighth who debuts in State of Origin on Wednesday night. Luai is one of five Samoans in the NSW Blues squad, alongside winger Brian To’o and middle forwards Daniel Saifiti, Junior Paulo and Payne Haas.
The 24-year-old was born and bred in Sydney’s west but has no interest in playing for Australia, even if it costs him tens of thousands of dollars in match payments.
“At international level you should play for your heritage,” he said. “I was brought up in the Samoan church and I owe it to my family. I want to do them proud.
VOTE: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE BLUE?
“Money’s all good but I think at international level it shouldn’t be about money.”
When he first signed at Penrith, Luai put down New Zealand as his country of choice for representative Test footy. He’s now hoping Samoan authorities will allow Matthew and Andrew Johns, along with Sonny Bill Williams, to take up the coaching of the national side.
“They’ve won premierships, played for their state and their country and they’d bring something really special to the team,” he said.
It’s hard to believe this NRL crowd favourite is about to debut on rugby league’s biggest stage. Long-time Blues officials are amazed at how relaxed Luai has been in the lead-up to Origin I.
Jarome Luai has no interest in playing for Australia. Picture: Getty Images
“I’m actually really chilled,” he said.
“The same as last year’s grand final – I really enjoyed the week.
“There’s so much positive energy around the team.
“I think about the game all the time but I’ll prepare like I do for any big game at Penrith.”
Wearing the No.6 Blues jersey that was once worn by legends Brett Kenny, Laurie Daley and Brad Fittler makes it even more special.
“I went to the Blues dinner the other night and I was in awe of all the legends in the room,” he said. “I got to hear what Origin meant to them.
“It’s a privilege to be in this jersey and I hope I can do all those guys proud.”
BLUES ROOKIE PICKS SAMOA OVER AUSTRALIA
Most NSW Blues players have a desperate desire to take that next step to wearing a Kangaroos jersey.
Not Jarome Luai, the livewire Penrith five-eighth who debuts in State of Origin on Wednesday night. Luai is one of five Samoans in the NSW Blues squad, alongside winger Brian To’o and middle forwards Daniel Saifiti, Junior Paulo and Payne Haas.
The 24-year-old was born and bred in Sydney’s west but has no interest in playing for Australia, even if it costs him tens of thousands of dollars in match payments.
“At international level you should play for your heritage,” he said. “I was brought up in the Samoan church and I owe it to my family. I want to do them proud.
VOTE: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE BLUE?
“Money’s all good but I think at international level it shouldn’t be about money.”
When he first signed at Penrith, Luai put down New Zealand as his country of choice for representative Test footy. He’s now hoping Samoan authorities will allow Matthew and Andrew Johns, along with Sonny Bill Williams, to take up the coaching of the national side.
“They’ve won premierships, played for their state and their country and they’d bring something really special to the team,” he said.
It’s hard to believe this NRL crowd favourite is about to debut on rugby league’s biggest stage. Long-time Blues officials are amazed at how relaxed Luai has been in the lead-up to Origin I.
Jarome Luai has no interest in playing for Australia. Picture: Getty Images
“I’m actually really chilled,” he said.
“The same as last year’s grand final – I really enjoyed the week.
“There’s so much positive energy around the team.
“I think about the game all the time but I’ll prepare like I do for any big game at Penrith.”
Wearing the No.6 Blues jersey that was once worn by legends Brett Kenny, Laurie Daley and Brad Fittler makes it even more special.
“I went to the Blues dinner the other night and I was in awe of all the legends in the room,” he said. “I got to hear what Origin meant to them.
“It’s a privilege to be in this jersey and I hope I can do all those guys proud.”
