Leadership lessons from Samoan PM steel Luai for captaincy challenge

When the prime minister of Samoa wants to meet to talk about leadership, rugby league, and the Penrith Panthers, you know Jarome Luai is a pretty big deal.

Luai spent a few days on the Pacific island for a wedding over the weekend, and that was the chance that presented itself.

Luai, who was headed to the Wests Tigers, arrived back in Sydney on Tuesday night, went to Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton’s wedding on Thursday, and then trained for 45 minutes in Maroubra before flying to England for Samoa’s two-Test series.

Luai claimed he and his partner, Bailey, were on Taumeasina Island when he noticed the celebrant was Fiu Faaolatane Ponifasio Vasa, the president of Rugby League Samoa.

When Luai met the PM, she admitted, “I was pretty nervous.”

Being a captain and a leader carries a lot of responsibility, she said, and the prime minister was the ideal person to discuss leadership with.

In Parliament House, I sat in a pleasant room. My partner, Bianca, was able to observe and participate in everything because I brought her along. It was quite unique.

Their big [rugby] team, Manu Samoa, hasn’t been playing well lately. She was placing a wager that we would become the new spokesperson for Samoan sports. Knowing that just serves to increase our will to succeed.

All the boys were known to her. I don’t know if she watches the NRL. However, I believe she informed me that she prefers Penrith because so many Samoans play there. It was really awesome.

As they celebrated their fourth consecutive NRL premiership in the sheds under Accor Stadium, Luai was informed that he was captain by Samoan coach Ben Gardiner, who was also the Panthers’ assistant coach.

Luai refused to drink during Crichton’s wedding to demonstrate his commitment to staying hydrated for the national team.

As the team’s captain, he stated, “I had to be prepared. Those are the small sacrifices you make if you want to be at your best in this game.”

“I wouldn’t have

“My goal in being here is to always challenge myself and put my hand up. It’s a fantastic challenge for me to attempt to improve the guys around me because not many of the boys I grew up playing with are here. I’d want to consider that. I will also benefit from having Anthony Milford, Jeremiah Nanai, and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Crichton, Brian To’o (injury), Spencer Leniu (his own wedding), and prominent newcomer Payne Haas (injury) are among the many stars that Samoa will be missing when they play England. Before having to have surgery, Gardiner stated that Haas was going to tour the UK with them.

Regarding Luai and his leadership, Gardiner stated: “‘Romy’ is very committed to being here and has assumed the role of captain.”