World Cup Finalist reveals he has “fallen in love” with Super League club as he heaps praise on Salford Red Devils boss

Tim Lafai was rewarded for a brilliant season at Salford with a three-year contract extension and was also granted a call-up to represent his native Samoa at the World Cup in a whirlwind 12 months.

The 31-year-old centre has now detailed that year when speaking to the club’s Youtube channel and spoke proudly on the new contract.

“I feel blessed for myself and my family. We’ve fallen in love with Manchester and Salford and made it out home away from home so to have another three years, I’m feeling grateful.”

He cited head coach Paul Rowley as key to making the decision, Rowley joining the club at the same time as Lafai with 2022 being the first season for both in Salford.

“We’ve formed a great relationship on and off the field with Rowlesy (Rowley). He’s brought out the best in my ability and given me that confidence to do what I do and do what I love doing and that’s just playing my type of rugby and my style. That’s what he brings to this team.”

His season form and that confidence aw him gain selection into the Super League dream team having formed a brilliant partnership with winger Joe Burgess and the Samoan has become known for his trademark flick pass out the back, something Rowley clearly gave him licence to do.

He was asked about that iconic pass that has seen Burgess played in and cross over so many times and responded with a smile explaining where it came from.

“I guess it’s just playing backyard footy back at home with my cousins and brother. As a kid you carry that into your career, it’s always been there but it’s just having the confidence to pull it off. Like I said Budgie (Burgess) knowing where to be so if I didn’t have him, it would be nothing I guess.”