Luai: ‘My focus now is Samoa’

Toa Samoa arriving at the Jacksons International Airport ahead of their Rugby League World Cup match with PNG Kumuls on Saturday. *(NBC News -Isaac Liri)*

Jerome Luai will be calling Papua New Guinea home in 2028- but right now- his focus is doing well for Toa Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup.

The Parramatta-bound play maker said this after touching down in Port Moresby, eyes fixed on playing against PNG Kumuls this Saturday at the Santos National Football Stadium.

Despite a big 78-4 win over France last weekend, Luai says they won’t be taking the Kumuls lightly.

“With how the pool system is set up, we can’t afford to lose, and we are looking to face the Kumuls in a strong match, in front of their home crowd,” Luai said.

“They (Kumuls) are tough to beat in their home town.

“They (Kumuls) know how to adapt in such conditions so we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Jerome Luai speaking to the media during his arrival in Port Moresby *(NBC News)*

Making it to the Rugby League World Cup final in the last edition, the former Penrith Panthers premiership winning five-eighth believes the current Toa Samoa team has the depth to go an extra mile.

“I think this team (Samoa) is much better than that team respectfully and we have a few tough games coming up so we have to be locked in in every game.” he added.