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Joe Galuvao - Source: Photosport -
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For the former Kiwis forward Joe Galuvao, preparing for Sunday's National Rugby League grand final is the least of his concerns.
Galuvao was still awaiting word from Samoa on Thursday as to whether his wife Maybelle had lost family members in yesterday's deadly tsunami.
"I talked to my dad last night and he said everyone's pretty good back home. Nothing's too bad there. But I'm still waiting back on my wife's family so hopefully there won't be too much bad news," he said.
"Other families have had it worse and our prayers go out to them as well. You can't help but feel for them."
Little wonder the Parramatta bench forward was a little distracted at today's grand final breakfast at the Sydney Convention Centre.
He spent most of Wednesday making anxious calls to his father Sam who was phoning home to try and account for family members in their village of Avao, slightly inland on the island of Savai'i.
"I guess when you're in Samoa everyone's related in a sense. I've got a lot of family still back home and my dad keeps touching base with them. Fortunately they're okay.
"My mum and dad were ringing around and I'm sure the lines were going crazy. We're still waiting on news and we haven't got too much detail other that's been broadcast already."
A sombre Galuvao said he'd spoken to friends in the United Kingdom who'd lost family members.
Sunday's decider against Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium would now take on greater significance with league having such a strong connection with Samoa, Galuvao said.
"If anything it's a motivation. You can't really do much about it but we can worry about what we can control and focus on grand final week.
"Hopefully by us preparing well and playing well it might be a comfort for those that are grieving. We're there for them and we're praying for them."
Galuvao is looking to make it two from two in NRL deciders, having won a premiership with Penrith in 2003.
The disaster also touched the Melbourne side, with Kiwis prop Jeff Lima desperately chasing news on his family on Wednesday.
His fiancee Christina received word that her relatives were safe, although the family home had been destroyed.
Lima said his grandparents were his major concern but he hoped they'd be safe because their village was on high ground.
"I'm trying not to worry about it but it's at the back of my head. You never know what's happening over there so hopefully everything's all right," he told the Melbourne Age.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentjaxlino said on 2009-10-07 @ 14:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
anyone from the Satitoa village?
markservian said on 2009-10-05 @ 21:05 NZDT: Report abusive post
Tai Taufua is interviewed in this story... http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/church-comforts-many-in-samoa-3048401/video
Liviyj12 said on 2009-10-05 @ 19:30 NZDT: Report abusive post
i feel sorry fot those who have been affected.... i also feel sorry for Vai. he has lost so much of his family..:(
Micksta said on 2009-10-05 @ 11:16 NZDT: Report abusive post
My heart goes out to everyone who has lost family member/s in the earthquake and tsunami. I know what it would be like, as I was in Samoa as the earthquake struck and I read and saw the devastating effects of the tsunami that followed, both in newspapers and also for real. I would like to say that Nuu Black Sand Beach was hit my the tsunami and is in a bad state (Not that much of an attraction now).
PurpleOlive said on 2009-10-05 @ 09:04 NZDT: Report abusive post
I am so sad for all who have lost family members. We are humbled by how quickly lives can be lost. Our hearts go out to each and every one of you and I cry tears for your sweet babies. Your pain is shared by our thoughts and may you find the strength within yourselves to carry on, xox