Bulldogs rookie centre Tim Lafai chooses Australia over New Zealand and Samoa | By David Riccio AS a teenager, lethal Canterbury centre Tim Lafai grew up idolising Greg Inglis. Now the 23-year-old wants to play alongside the South Sydney champion — for Australia. The damaging Bulldogs strike weapon has revealed that although he was born in Samoa and lived in New Zealand between the age of six and nine, Australia is where he calls home and pulling on the green and gold jersey is his career ambition. Lafai, who is also eligible for NSW, has been recognised by Test coach Tim Sheens and NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley, as a representative player in the making. The former South Sydney SG Ball player was poached by the Bulldogs when he was just 19 playing for the Campbelltown Eagles. It was upon his arrival at Belmore that Lafai was required to pledge his allegiance to either Samoa, New Zealand or Australia. “I put Australia down,’’ Lafai said. “I was born in Samoa, but I moved to New Zealand when I was six and moved to Australia when I was 9, so I’ve been here for about 13 years now. I call Australia home. “It was pretty tough (decision) because I’ve got a New Zealand passport, so have my parents, but the decision was made easy when I thought about how I’ve grown up in Australia, most of my life. “That’s one of my dreams and goals to play for Australia, to put on the green and gold. To represent my country, that is something I’m hoping for down the track.’’ With incumbents Michael Jennings and Jarryd Hayne certain selections, it may be too premature for Lafai to be considered for the upcoming Four Nations tournament. However, if there’s one thing he’s good at, it’s patience. Injury setbacks and a minimal opportunity forced Lafai to spend the majority of the 2012 and 2013 season in the NSW Cup. Following an outstanding 2014 season, Lafai will line-up in the grand final with 14 tries under his belt — the Bulldogs leading try scorer. He admits his game is a continual work in progress and like his idols Inglis and former Test centre Mark Gasnier, he strives to boast a defensive game that is equal to his attack. It was a bit of a waiting game, being in reserve grade and having other centres in front of me,’’ Lafai said. “I had to be patient and just do my work off the field at training and prove myself and it’s paid off. “I grew up loving watching Greg Inglis and Mark Gasnier play. Gasnier for his foot work and as a defensive centre, the same as Inglis with his strength and power, so that’s what I’ve worked on. “I’m looking forward to playing in such a big game. “It’s my first grand final at a pretty young age, so I’ve just got to do my job and do what’s best for my team.’’ Source: dailytelegraph.au/sport/nrl/bulldogs-rookie-centre-tim-lafai-chooses-australia-over-new-zealand-and-samoa/story-fni3g67w-1227079990170
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 02:54:00 +0000
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