Luai warns Welsby, ready for Round 2 England to play NZ Australia, PNG clash
SAMOA’S Jarome Luai warned England half-back Jack Welsby he is seeking revenge as the pair reignite their burgeoning rivalry in the Rugby League World Cup semifinal tomorrow.
Penrith Panthers five-eighth Luai, 25, copped plenty of chat from St Helens’ Welsby, 21, in the opening game as England thumped star-studded Samoa 60-6 at St James’ Park to send shockwaves through the competition.
Welsby, who scored the opening try of the tournament before assisting the next two for Dom Young, relished what he called a ‘good ding dong’ and Luai admitted he will give as good as he gets if the England star restarts the verbals at the Emirates.
He said: “If it comes man, I’ll never back down from that sort of thing, it’s who I am. It’s all about competitiveness out there.
“He’s been killing it this tournament and he’s 1-0 at the moment, so I’ll try and get him back this week.
“It was a good battle and I get to come up against him again this week and hopefully I can get one back on him.”
Regardless of Saturday afternoon’s result, the duo are set to do battle again in February at domestic level after a World Club Challenge between their two clubs was confirmed for Australia, reminding homesick Luai what is waiting for him at the end of the tournament.
He added: “I’m definitely excited for that game, back at home as well and that’s reminded me about what it’s like back home, I’m missing home and my family but I’ve got a big job to do with my brothers first.”
Much has been made about the hiding Samoa got in the opening game despite starting as favourites, but Luai revealed the chastening defeat may have been a blessing in disguise.
He explained: “It is a bit different this time round from the last time we played England.
“After that game it was a bit of a pressure relief as there was a lot of expectation around the team, but we’ve been able to put our heads down and nail our roles and our game plan and it’s all about execution on Saturday.”
Luai’s halves partner Anthony Milford took the player of the match honours in the nail-biting 20-18 quarter-final win over Tonga in Warrington on Sunday, but the Penrith star believes his country are now representing their fellow Pacific Islanders in the latter stages as they head for their first ever World Cup semi-final.
Tonga skipper Jason Taumalolo switched his allegiance from New Zealand in 2017 and took his country to the last four before losing to England, starting a trend of players declaring for their heritage nation with Luai likely to have been part of Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos alongside clubmate Nathan Cleary until he plumped for Samoa.
Luai said: “Beating Tonga was a crazy in-the-moment thing. Tonga have done amazing things for their small nation and the Tongans around the world. They’ve had a lot of success over the past couple of years.
“They’ve definitely lit a bit of a fire for us Samoan boys, so this is also for them as well.”
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ENGLAND women’s rugby league team are set to face New Zealand in what will be a nail-biting semi-final fixture taking place on 14 November at the LNER Stadium in York, kicking off at 19:30.
Like the men’s and wheelchair teams before them, England finished at the top of their group following their 42 - 4 victory over Papua New Guinea at Headingley Stadium yesterday, placing them firmly into the semi-final.
Papua New Guinea also qualify, having finished second in group A, and will take on Australia, the victors of group B, at 17:00 in the double-header semi-final event.
Australia and New Zealand faced each other in a tight clash for the top-spot of Group B earlier this evening, finishing 10 - 8 to the Jillaroos.
All four teams will be vying for a spot in the finals at Old Trafford on Saturday 19 November.
Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 chief executive, said: “From a tournament perspective, it’s brilliant to see each of the home teams qualify comfortably into the semi-finals, and I am delighted to confirm we can guarantee packed-out stands full of fans hoping to cheer them through to the finals.
“All of the semi-finalists are deserving of their place, having provided us with exciting rugby league clashes which have pleased hardcore rugby fans and helped us to bring the sport to a whole new audience.
“The build-up to this final week of competition has been fantastic in terms of anticipation, and with tickets selling well as England continue to progress across the three tournaments, I urge everyone to act fast if you want to be there to watch this piece of rugby league history in person.”
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