From one powerhouse to another, Tim Lafai has enjoyed a stellar individual campaign in 2024.
The Samoan has been a sensation since he joined the Club in 2022, and established himself as one of the best centre’s in the competition.
A player with vast NRL experience, Lafai fell out of love with the sport for a few years but has certainly re-found that drive at Salford.
Like the two years previous, the 33-year-old continued to cause havoc across Super League with his evasiveness and ability to bust tackles.
His first real standout moment came in Round 4, where he helped created a bit of Salford history at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
With just minutes remaining, Lafai collected a Marc Sneyd pass in one hand and twisted to produce his trademark flick out the back for Deon Cross to complete a stunning second-half comeback.
It was our first win at St Helens in over 44 years – well worth watching back our Behind the Sticks angle of a memorable evening.
His first try of the season came against World Champions, Wigan Warriors, where he capitalised on an Ethan Ryan knock-down to bring us level.
If trademark Lafai is the flick pass, his ability to hand off players must not be far behind – and that was on full display against Warrington Wolves in Round 9.
From almost halfway, the Samoan palmed away defender after defender before crashing over the try-line to open the scoring.
His athleticism was a good kick target for Sneyd and his two tries against London Broncos in Round 13 were of a similar ilk – slamming down a pinpoint grubber kick on the left edge.
Some hamstring trouble forced him onto the sidelines in the weeks that followed, but that rest allowed time to recharge the batteries for a crucial playoff run-in.
His comeback against Castleford Tigers was perfectly timed and that Round 19 win revived Salford from an inconsistent spell of results.
That set up a showdown with fellow playoff chasers, Leeds Rhinos and we caught up with Lafai beforehand to discuss his return to fitness.
Another couple of games out with injury saw him make a try-scoring return against Catalans Dragons.
He wasn’t finished with that effort, producing another out-the-back pass to Deon Cross in the final minutes to confirm a pivotal victory.
A week later against Hull FC, Lafai starred in a classy Salford performance; scoring a hat-trick and receiving Player of the Match as our playoff spot was confirmed.
LAFAI’S 2024 IN NUMBERS
Appearances: 21
Tries: 10
Try Assists: 6
Line breaks: 10
Metres made: 3 397
Tackle breaks: 164
CROSS ON LAFAI
“He’s been class. The famous flick pass that he does – he set me up for that one at Saints.
“A great bloke, a great character and he’s definitely the one who has got the most energy around the team.
“He lifts you up, particularly when it’s a Monday morning and you’re tired, he’s coming in banging that drum at 7am.”
