Tim Lafai: Back in business

12 months ago, it would have been hard for Tim Lafai to imagine that he would be preparing to take part in the Betfred Super League Play-Offs, less than a week after being inducted into the 2022 Dream Team.

It's been a whirlwind year for the Red Devils centre following his arrival at Salford in late January - just weeks before the start of the 2022 season. Even more remarkable is that Lafai - who amassed over 150 NRL appearances during a decade long career - had been out of the game for a year.

"I was just working - doing labouring and on construction sites," Lafai, who has also represented Samoa at international level, explained.

"I didn't get re-signed in the NRL. I've got four kids and a wife so couldn't afford not to work. I knew I had to somehow bring in an income and put food on the table for the family.

"At the back end of 2021, I messaged my manager and asked if there's any gigs coming up, I missed playing rugby. Getting a taste of the real world, having to work six days a week made me realise that I missed playing."

Fortunately for Lafai, Salford came calling. A chance to reignite his rugby league career on the other side of the world was a daunting but unmissable opportunity - as long as his family were on board.

"I never planned on going overseas. It was never on my mind, but my wife and I had a chat and went back and forth weighing up the pros and cons. Especially with four kids - we're family orientated, her families there and my families there [in Australia] so it was a lot to weigh up. and we thought let's just do it. Let's take that leap of faith.

"It was a case of coming over to a new team, new system, new environment - and I'm glad I made that decision."

Tim Lafai, you cannot do that 🤯?™?

Ken Sio the beneficiary of another classic Lafai offload 🔥#SuperLeague #SLCatSal pic.twitter.com/IqshaAEJcZ
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 20, 2022

After finalising a deal and waiting for the necessary visa requirements to up sticks and head over to the North of England, Lafai was afforded minimal time to settle into his new surroundings before the start of the new Super League campaign.

As well as acclimatising back into a professional, full-time rugby environment, Lafai also had to contend with the cold, British winter.

"We got here the end of January, and the boys were just giving it to me about missing the whole pre-season - and it was freezing cold when I got here too! I walked out [to training] in my tracksuit jacket with my hands in my pockets and the boys just started laughing at me. I was like 'what is this?!'

"The body was pretty sore the whole week of training just trying to get up to speed with being back in a professional rugby team. I played one trial game - well half a game - I think against Warrington, and it was just in the deep end from there.

"I think the muscle memory from my body and what it feels like to be battered and bruised took a few weeks to get up to speed.

"But my families sacrificed a lot to come over here - so I had to put my best foot forward and play my absolute best week in week out regardless of how sore I am. And you can see it on the field - I do this for my wife and my kids and for the sacrifices that they've made."

And what a season Lafai has had. A standout for the Red Devils in 2022, he has been unplayable on Salford's left edge. His strength, skill and ability to offload has perfectly complimented the teams free-flowing attack, culminating in his deserved inclusion in this season's Dream Team.

Lafai flick 🥵 Burgess try 🥧

We've seen that before ?™? #SuperLeague #SLTouSal pic.twitter.com/uVnVF18erW
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 23, 2022

Lafai credits Salford head coach Paul Rowley for the teams rise this year, highlighting Rowley's ability to get the best out of the Red Devils squad as they look to make their mark in the 2022 Play-Offs.

"It's been awesome. The style that Rowlesey's [Paul Rowley] introduced to the team suits me and a lot of the boys. You see it out there on the field. He just finds a way to bring out everyone's talent and strengths.

"The rugby over here - I love it. You don't feel like robots - you get to enjoy it and throw the ball around. It's entertaining rugby.

"It's going to be tough going to Huddersfield and playing them at their home. Finals are different - it's different footy. It's going to be a big challenge for us boys but we're up for it. We know we've got to be at our best for the full 80 minutes and go toe to toe with them because they're going to come out firing.

"We know in the back of our minds that it's do or die rugby now, so we've just got to focus on us this week and go out there and leave everything on the field."

Salford travel to Huddersfield Giants this Saturday in their Play-Off eliminator, with all the action live on Sky Sports Arena & Channel 4.