Thomas Leuluai ‘grateful’ for seven year contract with Wigan Warriors

The former New Zealand international agreed to a new deal until the end of the 2030 season last week alongside head coach Matt Peet and fellow assistant Sean O’Loughlin.

Leuluai joined the club’s coaching staff immediately after hanging up the boots at the end of 2022 following 20 seasons as a professional player, including two as Wigan’s captain, succeeding O’Loughlin.

A World Cup winner on the international stage, his final career appearance came for his country during a warm-up fixture against Leeds Rhinos ahead of the delayed 2021 tournament in England.

The ex-playmaker made 327 appearances for the Warriors across two stints, scoring 74 tries.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to stay on for such a long time,” the 38-year-old said.

“I jumped straight into coaching from playing, Matty (Peet) and Rads (Kris Radlinski) put a lot of trust in me and what I’ve learned from them has been so much.

“I hadn’t done much coaching before, I didn’t have much experience.

“It’s a whole different ball game.

“I’m learning every day, and I feel like this is the best place for me to develop and grow.

"I feel the club is in a good spot and I’m really excited to be here for the future.”

As an assistant, Leuluai has already enjoyed Grand Final success - having won two Super League trophies as a player - a League Leaders’ Shield and the World Club Challenge triumph over Penrith Panthers in February.

And he tributes his extended contract to the enjoyment he has working alongside his fellow coaches, with Peet having led Wigan to every honour on offer since his appointment ahead of 2022.

“I wouldn’t have agreed to it if I didn’t get along with Matt and Sean,” he continued.

“I’ve known them for a really long time.

“We have a really good time, we have a laugh but we also work very hard and Matty leads the way there.

“I think not just us three, but all the staff get along. We challenge each other when we need to and enjoy each other’s company.”