World Cup finalist Tim Lafai extends stay with Salford Red Devils

World Cup star Tim Lafai has signed a new contract with Salford Red Devils until 2025.

The 31-year-old Samoan international has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal after a breakout debut season in Super League with the Red Devils.

His stellar performances for Salford in 2022 earned him a dream team appearance as well as a call-up to the Samoa National Team that ended with a World Cup Final appearance against Australia at Old Trafford.

After signing his new contract, Lafai had a short message for the Red Devils fans: “Salford, Uncle loves you!”

𝗔 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆! 🇼🇸

Tim is locked in for 2023, are you? 👉 https://t.co/Mf49uVogh2

💪 #TogetherStronger | 🔴👹 pic.twitter.com/sny0fZVDi6

— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) December 5, 2022

Lafai’s comeback to the sport has been one of the feel-good stories in rugby league, working as a bricklayer just 12 months ago, he had been out of the game for a year before the Red Devils came calling ahead of the 2022 campaign.

He established himself as one of the competition’s best centres, scoring six tries and providing 14 assists in 22 appearances last season.

Lafai also scored six tries in five appearances for Samoa at the World Cup, two of which came in Samoa’s shock semi-final win over England. He became Samoa’s all-time appearance holder with 18 caps for his country.

Head Coach Paul Rowley said: “It’s great news that Tim has chosen to extend his stay with us.

“He is a tremendous player and more importantly a great friend and teammate to everybody. He’s been a joy to coach and a very positive influence to our environment.”

Tim Lafai tells us about 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 trademark backhand pass! 🤩

📹 The full interview is available on RDTV now via the link below… 👇

💪 #TogetherStronger | 🔴👹

— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) December 5, 2022

Salford’s director of rugby and operations, Ian Blease, added: “Tim has been a fantastic addition to the group since we brought him to our club.

“After some negotiations, it’s incredible news that we have agreed to extend his stay with us for three years.

“Tim was outstanding for us in our last Super League campaign; from playing a vital role in our run to the semi-finals, he now has his chance to become a significant player in our history.”