Jerome Luai

Luai who is currently based with the Penrith Panthers will be joining the likes of Wallabies prop, Scott Sio and All Black, Sa’u Patrick Tuipulotu as STA Ambassadors.

This was confirmed by STA in a recent statement.

The NRL star is elated to be picked as an ambassador to promote tourism in the country.

The Penrith star’s Samoan roots stretch back to his grandparents and he admits the rich Samoan culture has played an influential role in his life.

Luai, who was part of NSW’s Origin II triumph on Sunday, has previously represented the Pacific nation.

Samoa are in the midst of a coaching crisis with Matt Parish and the nation’s board off-side with a number of leading players, including Luai and Queensland’s Josh Papalii.

Luai has in the past indicated he wanted to help Samoa mirror the growth of Tonga on the international stage, but Meninga encouraged the Penrith five-eighth to change his allegiance.

This has been rated by the ultimate rugby league news website ‘Love Rugby League’

Luai enjoyed a stellar season with Penrith in 2020, helping the Panthers reach the NRL Grand Final.

The 23-year-old playmaker has earned five caps for Samoa and represented the nation at the 2017 World Cup prior to making his first grade debut.

Samoa will be facing the hosts, England in the opener of the world cup at St James’ Park in Newcastle on Saturday, 23 October 2021.