Jarome Luai suffers ugly new blow as Herbie Farnworth inflicts more misery on Samoan league
Luai opted to represent his country in England, but in doing so he delayed his arrival at new club Wests Tigers.
Jarome Luai's debut series as Samoa captain has ended in back-to-back defeats, with a Herbie Farnworth masterclass leading England to a 34-16 victory in the second Test on Sunday. Luai opted to put country before his new NRL club the Wests Tigers, pushing back his arrival at the joint venture to begin his five year, $6 million contract.
While nobody can begrudge him putting his country first, the back-to-back losses will certainly sting, and continues a worrying slide for Samoa in Test matches. Since famously beating England in the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup in 2022, the Samoans have now suffered five-straight losses.
They sent a depleted squad to England for this two-Test series, with usual captain Stephen Crichton the most notable absentee due to his wedding and honeymoon. Their team was still stacked with NRL talent, but Luai couldn't guide his side to victory on Sunday.
The 34-16 loss comes after England won 34-18 in the first Test, making it five-straight losses for Samoa after a 50-0 thrashing at the hands of New Zealand in 2023, as well as 30-10 and 38-12 losses to Australia over the last two years. And while Luai's decision to play for Samoa was admirable considering a number of other high-profile teammates withdrew from the tour, some will question whether he should have prioritised getting to his new NRL club early and working on relationships and partnerships there.
Under NRL rules, all players must have 10 weeks off at the end of the season before returning to pre-season training. It means the England tour will delay Luai's arrival at the Tigers and give them less time to work on vital partnerships for the 2025 season.
Jarome Luai decision a 'blow' to Benji Marshall and Wests Tigers
Leading journalist Michael Carayannis told SEN radio last month that Benji Marshall would have undoubtedly wanted Luai for the start of pre-season. "With Jarome Luai opting to captain Samoa in their tour of England it means he won't get back to train with the Wests Tigers until the new year," Carayannis said. "The Tigers would obviously love him there as early as they can with the late start off the back of a grand final, but they won't get a chance to see Jarome in Tigers colours until next year.
"Obviously a bit of a blow for the Tigers in getting those combinations right and just the standard leadership they need which is set in the pre-season. But Jarome good on him, he's gone and elected to captain Samoa while a lot of his other teammates have pulled out. He'll stay the course and captain his country."
Jarome Luai's message to Tigers fans ahead of 2025 arrival
Speaking last week, Luai assured Tigers fans he's all-in for 2025. "I'm officially a Tiger now and I'm really excited to be a part of this new journey," he said in a video posted to the Wests Tigers website.
"I can't wait to meet you guys - to feel your energy and to feel your presence. I'm here to win, and I'm here to win consistently, so I hope you guys are ready for the ride. See you guys soon."
RELATED:
NRL fans in uproar after New Zealand dudded in Test loss to Tonga
Reece Walsh's message to Brisbane Broncos amid calls to sack Ezra Mam
The star half will be hoping to get back in the winner's circle after back-to-back losses with Samoa. Farnworth scored two tries and set up another in a masterful display by the Dolphins centre.
"Herbie Farnworth was really, really good. In both games he's been outstanding," said England coach Shaun Wane. "He's had a bit of a personal problem this week and missed a session, and to come back and perform like that he's a credit to himself. He's a credit to the Dolphins and the NRL, and I'm just glad he's English."
