Tim Lafai loving life in England and wants to extend Salford stay
Samoa star Tim Lafai says he is really enjoying his time in England so far and wants to stay at Salford beyond this season.
The 30-year-old centre joined the Red Devils ahead of this season on a one-year deal.
Lafai has impressed in Super League so far, scoring three tries, providing three assists and busting 36 tackles in eight games.
He has played in England before for Samoa at the 2013 World Cup but this is his first time living in the UK with his family, and he is loving every minute of it.
Speaking to Love Rugby League, Lafai said: “It has been good. Me, my wife and kids are finally settling in.
“The first few weeks was a bit of a challenge with the weather but it has been nice this spring so we’ve adapted and we are finding our feet.
“The warm weather reminds me of back home in Australia so it has been nice. We will take them because you don’t know how long it will last so we will make the most of it!
“Coming over here had never really crossed my mind. After my gig in the NRL I was kind of semi-retired but my agent tossed up the opportunity here in England so I thought ‘why not?’ It would be an experience to bring my family to this side of the world and I’m only 30 so I’ve still got a few more years in me. I’ve still got that passion to play some good footy.”
Tim Lafai wants to sign a new deal with Salford
Lafai made more than 150 appearances in the NRL for Canterbury Bulldogs and St George Illawarra Dragons before heading to Super League.
With his current Salford deal due to expire at the end of the season, Lafai revealed he would love to sign on again for next year.
He said: “Yeah, if the opportunity comes across.
“For me, it is just about playing some good footy for the club and everything else will look after itself if it does come across.
“Me and my family are happy here at Salford and the club have been great in helping us transition so it would be nice (to stay).”
A proud Samoan
Lafai has won 13 caps for his native Samoa since making his international debut in 2013. He has played in two World Cups and also represented his birth country in the Nines World Cup in 2019.
When asked if he would like to play in this year’s World Cup, Lafai replied: “It hasn’t really crossed my mind to be honest but with it being in England is kind of a bonus.
“I’ve played in two World Cups now. For me, it is just about keeping my body fresh and if it comes across, then that’ll be a bonus.”
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