Blues playmaker Jarome Luai said he's got a renewed confidence ahead of the Ampol State of Origin series after stepping up to lead Samoa in their stunning run to a World Cup final last year.
One of three playmakers selected in Brad Fittler’s 17 for Wednesday’s series opener, the two-time premiership winner added regardless of where he fits in for the Blues he knows exactly what his role will be in the side - to lift the energy.
While some question Luai’s ability as a playmaker without NSW teammate Nathan Cleary, the 26-year-old said Samoa's success will allow him make his own mark on this year’s series, regardless of who he stands next to on the field. “At the World Cup I had to be that guy to lead the team and I relished that role and loved it,” Luai said at Blues training.
“I love playing footy and love learning new things. I exceeded my expectations with where we went with Samoa at the World Cup but that’s behind us now and we have a different beast in front of us.“I think I had to take a lot of control in that side , but in this side we have players like Nathan and Teddy around.“We play with each other very well and we obviously have that combination so when we’re playing together, our roles are pretty locked in, and we know what to do.
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