Samoan rugby league player Timoteo Lafai or Tim Lafai has joined U.K Super League franchise the Salford Devils after almost a decade playing in Australia's National Rugby League.

In 2011 Lafai made his N.R.L. debut for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs against the South Sydney Rabbitohs filling in for the injured Josh Morris and scored a try on debut in Canterbury's 28-19 win at the ANZ Stadium.

Four years later in 2015 he signed a two-year contract with the St. George Illawarra Dragons which officially started in 2016 after he was  released from the final two years of his Canterbury-Bankstown contract.

Lafai was also named in the Samoa 24-man squad for the 2013 World Cup and played in three matches. He made his international debut for Samoa against Papua New Guinea at centre in Samoa's 38-4 win at Craven Park in the U.K. 

He has represented Samoa at two World Cups as well as featured for his country in their historic test match against Fiji in 2016, marking the 30th anniversary of rugby league in Samoa.

Speaking on the signing for Salford, Lafai said that he is very much looking forward to this new chapter in his career and that he just can’t wait to get to work as soon as he arrives at the club.

“My family and I are excited to be part of the Salford community and we’re very grateful for this opportunity.”

Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley says that the arrival of Lafai is very crucial for his side.

“With Harvey Livett and Kallum Watkins set to miss the start of the 2022 season through injury, the arrival of Lafai is timely," he said.

“As it stands, we would not be able to fill an established back line due to a few of our lads out through injury for the start of the season.

“Not only does Tim help to fill a gap, I’m 100 per cent sure he will fill it with much-needed experience and quality and I’m just really pleased to have him on board.”

The club's Director of rugby and operations, Ian Blease, said he is delighted that they’ve managed to land Tim’s signature. 

“He is an established N.R.L. and international player who will bring heaps of experience and rugby knowledge to the pack," he said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing Tim put on the Salford shirt in 2022 and I have no doubt he will be at home here in the U.K.”