For Jarome Luai, representing Toa Samoa is a responsibility that reaches far beyond rugby league. It is a commitment to family, culture and the generations who came before him, grounded in a principle that has guided Samoan leadership for generations: O le ala i le pule o le tautua, meaning the pathway to leadership is through service. Though expressed in different ways, that principle captures the heart of Luai’s message: to serve is what it means to be Samoan. That sense of service begins with knowing who you represent. For Luai, wearing the blue jersey means honouring his family name and ancestral connections to the villages of Matafa’a and Leauva’a. Alongside teammates Brian To’o, Spencer Leniu, Stephen Crichton and Junior Paulo, he has grown from a young prospect into a father and family man. The passage of time has brought new perspective to a group that has experienced the highs and disappointments of international rugby league together. Their motivations have evolved, too. They now carry the responsibility of setting an example for their children, honouring the sacrifices of their elders and giving back to the nation that stands behind them.
That responsibility is reinforced by the connection between Toa Samoa and its people. The relationship extends beyond the field, shaped by a shared cultural identity and a sense of belonging that follows the team wherever it competes. Recent visits to Samoa offered a powerful reminder of that connection, with the squad receiving blessings and encouragement from church ministers, members of Parliament and the Prime Minister. Those encounters reinforced what the jersey represents. When Toa Samoa takes the field, the players carry the hopes, prayers and pride of a nation whose support extends well beyond the final whistle.
But pride in the journey so far does not diminish the work that remains. The 2022 Rugby League World Cup final, where Samoa fell short of the title, remains a defining chapter in the team’s history. Subsequent international campaigns have brought further lessons, sharpening the group’s understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level. As the 2026 World Cup unfolds, the focus is on the opportunity ahead. The ambition is clear: to challenge for the world title and turn the team’s potential into achievement.
As co-captain, Luai understands that leadership is not defined by the title beside his name, but by what he contributes to the people around him. The principle of tautua, or service, offers a framework for that responsibility. It means putting the team first, supporting his teammates and creating the conditions for those around him to perform at their best. Surrounded by experienced leaders and emerging talent, Luai recognises that success depends on the collective commitment of the group. His responsibility is to lead through his actions, set the standard on the field and help guide his teammates towards their shared ambition. For Luai, the meaning of representing Samoa comes back to something greater than the game itself. It is about understanding where you come from, recognising who has helped you get there and accepting the responsibility to give something back. The proverb O le ala i le pule o le tautua provides a cultural lens through which to understand that calling, connecting the values of service and leadership to the responsibility he carries as a Toa Samoa co-captain.
To serve is what it means to be Samoan. For Luai, it is a principle that gives the blue jersey its meaning and the journey ahead its purpose.
Watch the full interview with Jarome Luai below:
