Leuluai: It was a tough call but I'm glad to be back

Leuluai returned from a stint in his native New Zealand with the sport’s other Warriors to come back to Wigan, where he played from 2007 to 2012.

And the half-back, famed for his ability to put in big hits as much as his silky attack, who is set to make his return to Super League at Salford on Saturday.

”It was a tough decision but I was always going to come back at some point,” he explained.

“It was always the plan to come back, my wife is from here, but it was tough to decide to come back early.

“It took me ages to decide. I thought it was the right decision for the future for me.

“I knew what the culture was like and knew the way they were so I’m looking forward to it.”

The World Club Challenge against Cronulla Sharks is appearing on the horizon. Leuluai, who played in the 2011 loss to St George Illawarra, says while it is an important opportunity, Wigan’s season won’t hinge on the one result.

He said: “I’m very lucky to come into a team that did so well last year and I’m blessed in that sense.

“Deep down I think a lot of Super League clubs want us to do well but that’s not the driving force for us. We want to do well and win it anyway.”