Thomas Leuluai signs new deal with Wigan Warriors

He follows Bevan French, Jackson Hastings and coach Adrian Lam in agreeing terms for next season.

The 35-year-old - who had been widely expected to play on - has signed a one-year deal. He already had an agreement in place to join the club's coaching staff when he retires.

He said: "I’m really happy to be here and to be going around again. My body is feeling good. I still have that drive, hunger and desire to do it.

“The main thing for me is knowing I can go out there and perform. I’m still enjoying it - knowing I can still compete and contribute to the team.

“I’m excited to be part of the team for next year. It’s a great squad and I’m looking forward to it.

“The future is safe with the guys coming through and I hope to help them out as much as I can. For me, I’ll be looking to play my best football and see where it goes from there.”

Leuluai, a World Cup winner with New Zealand, has played 302 games for Wigan over two spells from 2007.

After making 19 appearances and nine assists in 2020, Leuluai won his third League Leaders’ Shield medal as he helped the Warriors to finish top spot in the Betfred Super League.

Warriors executive director Kris Radlinski added: “Every player has their own motivations. For Thomas, it’s about earning the respect of his team-mates, and they have it in abundance.

“His desire to play rugby, win and improve is still as strong as it ever was. Every left side attack in the league knows, that when they are playing against him, it’s going to be a tough day.

“He is still leaving an impression on the players he plays against, usually in their ribs. As he enters the latter stages of his career, his influence on the club is as important as it ever was.

“Thomas is one of those players that every opposing fan would love to have in their team. We are lucky to have him at Wigan.”