TIM Lafai has every right to give it the big one after being part of World Cup history as he inspired Samoa to a first ever final.
But memories of living in a house with no walls, of living in New Zealand not being able to speak English after a cyclone and floods devastated his Samoa homeland make sure the Salford star has his feet firmly on the ground.
It is also why he was back in the gym just two weeks after facing Australia at Old Trafford, to make sure he is in the best state to be the best he can be.
Lafai grew up on the island of Savaii, inside for wooden posts and under a tin roof.
And memories of life there bring the best out of him 12,000 miles away after the Red Devils plucked him from working on building sites in Sydney.
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It is also why there was no extended break after his World Cup exertions, which followed Salford’s run to Super League’s semi-finals - a fortnight off and it was back to work.
Lafai said: “It definitely helps keep me grounded. I always think back to those moments I had growing up, they’ve taught me to appreciate the simple things.
“And doing the simple things the best I can. That brings more out of myself.
“My body needed a break after the World Cup, so I had two weeks off. After that I was slowly back into it. I can’t stay sitting for two weeks not doing anything.”
Lafai, who got one over clubmates Kallum Watkins and Andy Ackers as Samoa beat England 27-26 in the semi-final, started 2023 with a win at Leigh before tonight’s first home game against Hull KR.
And the 31-year-old was one of the first players the Red Devils nailed down on extended terms. His decision to sign for three years only shows how settled he and his family are.
Do not rule out him playing on beyond then, nor for Samoa at 2025’s World Cup in France either.
He added: “We’re settled. I had to weigh up what my wife and kids wanted, it’s not about me any more.
“But they love the school they’re in and we love the area, it’s a home away from home. That made my decision easier.
“I’m not going to rule playing beyond this deal out completely as I don’t know where I’ll be in three years’ time. Age is only a number.
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"And the club’s heading in the right direction. They’re doing the right things off the field but we’re always going to be underdogs, no-one gives us a chance even knowing what we did last year.”
Lafai may be a star but he will be against matters four miles down the road after Sky decided to move this match to the same night Manchester United take in Barcelona.
Boss Paul Rowley may insist his staff and players are not beating themselves up but SunSport understands off-field bosses are cursing their opening home match of the season being moved, costing them floating fans.
Season ticket sales at the Red Devils are up but the club is eager to attract those who do not go more often.
And being up against a huge Europa League clash, in United territory, may affect the gate.
Rowley said, though: “It’s not ideal but rugby’s rugby and football’s football. We’re not ones for whingeing and bemoaning things out of our control, we’ll just kick on.”
