Legendary Leuluai Too Good For Wigan Warriors Retirement
Wigan Warriors have undoubtedly been the strongest team in the 2020 Super League, topping the table consistently with their winning performances, ahead of heading into the play-offs. Veteran half-back Tommy Leuluai has also been in excellent form throughout the campaign, having also surpassed the 300 appearances milestone during his second spell with the club.
Despite being out of contract at the end of the current season, the 35-year-old New Zealander has remained quiet about his future plans, amidst expectations that he would join the coaching staff at the Warriors upon hanging up his boots. Nevertheless, if comments by Wigan head coach Adrian Lam at loverugbyleague.com are any indication, Leuluai might want to pause any potential retirement thoughts.
👏 Tommy Leuluai set for his 3️⃣0️⃣0️⃣th @SuperLeague appearance today! #WWRL #SLWigCas pic.twitter.com/wznJnkI7pX
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) August 29, 2020
Even though advancing age will be a consideration for any rugby player when pondering whether to call time on their career, Lam believes that Leuluai has plenty of gas in the tank, insisting the player isn’t yet ready for retirement. Indeed, he passionately believes that beyond what Leuluai can contribute as the team bids to crown a triumphant 2020 Super League season, he can remain a key player next season.
Of course, much will depend upon what the player himself has in mind, which Lam appreciates, given that such decisions are always tough for any professional sportsmen. “But is he ready to call it a day? Not at all,” insisted Lam, hopeful that hard-hitting Wigan Warriors number seven Leuluai will push aside any thoughts of retiring. Popular with the fans, they too would be hugely disappointed if that were to happen.
Lam admitted that “with Tom, it’s a year-to-year proposition” regarding any plans to retire as a player, whilst underlining that Leuluai remains a vital component of the Warriors team, both on and off the pitch. “He’s respected very highly by the players” and is a key “part of the leadership group” the Wigan coach explained.
What do you make of Wigan Warriors’ new kit? 🍒⚪ pic.twitter.com/D8WWLoeBZ6
— League Express (@leagueexpress) November 4, 2020
Remaining competitive will be important for the Wigan Warriors hierarchy, as they plan for seasons to come. Already boasting one of the strongest squads in the Super League, the constant challenge is to bring in suitable reinforcements whenever needed, whilst also retaining the key components that have already made the team successful thus far. Regarding the latter, the club has received highly positive news in recent weeks.
According to the latest Rugby League odds and betting news at bet365, another Southern Hemisphere player enjoying prominence at Wigan has indicated his desire to stay. 24-year-old full-back Bevan French had been linked with a potential return to his former club in Australia, with the Parramatta Eels tipped at 13/1 to win the NRL 2021 Grand Final.
However, after departing the Eels for the British game in 2019, French has opted to extend his current deal with the Warriors, confirming that he will be with the team ahead of the 2021 Super League season. He also has an option to extend that contractual relationship into the 2022 campaign, and possibly beyond. Such an important commitment will certainly be welcomed by club officials and amongst fans.
