Thomas Leuluai hopes to extend Wigan Warriors career

Thomas Leuluai chalked up his 300th game for Wigan on Friday night... and hopes his career tally doesn’t end on 301 or 302.
Thomas Leuluai wants to play onThomas Leuluai wants to play on
Thomas Leuluai wants to play on

The Kiwi halfback is out of contract at the end of this season and is keen to play on.

He is planning to speak to executive director Kris Radlinski about a deal for next term, ahead of an eventual move onto the coaching staff.

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The 35-year-old said: “I’m feeling good, I’ll have a chat to Rads and if they still want me and feel I can add something, I’ll go again.”

Wigan fans are waiting to discover if the club’s other frontline halfback, Jackson Hastings, stays in 2021 or departs. It is understood the Warriors have already recruited Parramatta’s Jai Field though there has been no confirmation, while promising Harry Smith is still in the squad.

Leuluai was captain in the absence of Sean O’Loughlin as the club clinched the league leaders’ shield with a 19-6 victory against Huddersfield.

“I’m not going to lie, it isn’t something we talked about at the start of the year,” said Leuluai.

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“But this trophy was a great recognition for not just the players, but the staff involved.

“Wigan rugby means a lot to the town and hopefully the fans enjoyed it. To get to 300, I said to the boys that as an outsider coming to Wigan, I learned quickly how much the club means to the town.

“I see myself as an outsider and I know local boys from the area would love to play that many games for the club – it’s a privilege.”

Wigan’s reward for finishing top is a weekend off in the opening round of the play-offs. They will then host a semi-final shoot-out next Thursday – potentially at the DW Stadium – against the lowest ranked side from Leeds, Catalans and Hull FC.

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And given their form since the Challenge Cup semip-final loss to Leeds, many will fancy their chances of securing a Grand Final spot on November 27.

“It’s gutting to lose a semi-final and ever since then we’ve had a good honest look at ourselves - it was a blessing in disguise, really,” added Leuluai. “It was a big wake-up call. Leeds were exceptional on the day but the occasion, we didn’t start the game as intensely as we needed to be.

“We all had to have a good hard look at ourselves, and sometimes you need them to remind you.”

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