Jarome Luai will draw attention as Samoa begin their Rugby League World Cup campaign next Friday against France, followed by matches against Papua New Guinea and Tonga.
The half was named the PNG Chiefs' first official signing, for 2028, before Wests Tigers released him to join Parramatta in 2027.
"He's (been) just a bit misunderstood by many towards the back end of the year. People were very opinionated about him," Samoa co-captain Junior Paulo said.
Paulo said Luai was focused on representing Samoa and hoped to see him develop as a leader.
Paulo also understands the challenge facing four Samoan players after grand final defeat. Newcastle winger Greg Marzhew, prop Pasami Saulo and second-rowers Francis Manuleleua and Jermaine McEwen lost to the Sydney Roosters last Sunday.
Paulo's Parramatta team lost 28-12 to Penrith in the 2022 NRL grand final. Weeks later, he led Samoa in a historic World Cup final against Australia.
"All you want to do is ... be able to turn it around," he said at Saturday's tournament launch.
He hopes the players can regain their readiness and enjoy representing Samoa, while bringing their physicality to the side.
Some squad members recently spent time in Samoa. Paulo called the experience "indescribable" and said it reminded players their campaign was for more than themselves.