Leuluai's chance to add another family chapter to Wembley folklore

THE sight of a giant prop gingerly offering his left hand for a welcome handshake is slightly amusing until you realise it is only a few days before potentially the biggest game of his life.

On Monday, Kylie Leuluai's right is off limits, swollen up almost like Bluto's cartoon character, so much so that you want to offer commiseration on surely missing out on playing at Wembley.

However, the big Samoan international assures me he has had the ligament damage pretty much all season, will have yet another pain-killing injection and that wild horses will not prevent him stepping out for Leeds against Warrington tomorrow.

Welcome to the daily grind of rugby league players.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It's not like I do much passing anyway," laughs Leuluai, more renowned for his thunderous ball carries and heavyweight tackles than silky distribution.

"And it's Wembley; if it's 40 per cent, you're right to go."

Delicate Leeds can ill-afford another front-row to fall given the towering Jamie Peacock and forceful Luke Burgess have already cruelly been ruled out of the Challenge Cup final by injury, leaving them badly short of options against one of the strongest packs around.

Indeed, Leuluai and Ryan Bailey will already be primed to take on extra minutes at the coalface, battling with the might of Adrian Morley, Gareth Carvell and Paul Wood to gain some sort of control for their side.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Second-rows will be commandeered to stand-up and help out but he insisted: "We've still got a good forward pack.

"We had Greg Eastwood come up and do an awesome job in the front-row against Catalans last week, like he'd been there all year, while there's Ian Kirke, too, and Ryan. We've got some quality.

"Everyone will lift their game an extra 20 per cent. We'll miss JP but we're all playing for him and Luke and the others who aren't playing."

Although never having featured before at the famous venue, the name Leuluai is already synonymous with Wembley folklore.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His uncle James scored twice for Hull in arguably the greatest Challenge Cup final, the New Zealand centre's classy double not proving enough to claw them back against the mighty Wigan in 1985.

On such memories Leuluai's love for the game grew. His uncle had also lost with Hull at Wembley two years before but won the 1982 final in a replay at Elland Road.

"He was someone I looked up to as he did it all," said the Leeds star, bidding to add the one trophy he has yet to win since joining the Yorkshire club late in 2006.

"He played in three finals and when we were kids we used to watch them all the time on VHS.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Me and my cousins have been following English rugby league ever since. I'd wear a Hull scarf and jersey everywhere; I was a real Hull fan.

"But it was just all the hype that surrounded Wembley that did it for me – the game is watched by so many over here and all the crowds and colour was amazing."

One of those cousins referred to is James's son and current Wigan scrum-half Thomas Leuluai, who was born just six weeks after that '85 final.

"I used to live with my uncle as well for two years so he gave me a few tips," said Leuluai.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We lived about three hours north of Auckland but they were nearer the city so I moved in.

"Tommy was only eight or nine. I used to slap him around back then!

"I know he's jealous about Wembley. It's something he's been wanting to play ever since he's got here obviously because of what his dad did.

"He'll get his chance. He's only 24. I was 29 when I got here and have played in some semis but never a final so that's why I'm looking forward to this so much."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The hulking Leuluai has been a cornerstone of the Leeds pack since moving from Manly, proving a driving force in their three consecutive Super League titles, but admits it has not always been a smooth ride with his early spell proving difficult.

Current Warrington coach Tony Smith was in charge at Headingley then and Leuluai admitted it needed some stern words from the Australian to sort him out.

"He was honest with me and up front," said the 32-year-old.

"Tony told me my game wasn't up to scratch and he'd heard some stories off the field that I wasn't happy.

"He gave me a boot up the backside and gave me some confidence in my ability; it changed my game.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I'm still close with him and appreciate what he's done for my career. I still give him a text every now and again."

Leuluai has not been surprised by the way Smith has transformed Warrington's fortunes since joining them last year, helping the Cheshire club to a first Challenge Cup since 1974.

"I knew he'd make them tough; he's that kind of coach," he added.

"He's changed everything around but we've got a similar style of play to Warrington and

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I think that's why this final is sold out; it should be a great match."

The durable Leuluai, who has signed up for another campaign at Headingley next year, admits he was delighted that Smith talked him around.

"I''ve some awesome memories since coming to Leeds," he said.

"It's been the highlight of my life. I was going to Manly because of the beaches and sun, knowing it'd be a great lifestyle and didn't think life could get any better.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"When I got here, for six months I wondered what I'd done with all the terrible weather but with time brings happiness and getting to all those Grand Finals has been unbelievable."

And has he had any words of advice from his famous uncle?

"I've not spoken to him but if things go our way I'm sure I will be doing," he said.

"I'd have loved to have played at the old Wembley like he did but I'm lucky to be part of this occasion – win or lose."

Rich heritage to be proud of

KYLIE LEULUAI is part of a family rich in rugby league heritage with three of his close relatives all playing professionally.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here is a look at those who have graced the sport with the Leeds prop.

James Leuluai

An elusive and classy centre who represented New Zealand 29 times, scoring 14 tries between 1979 and 1986. Starred with Hull FC during his pomp, playing in three Challenge Cup finals and scoring one of the finest tries seen at Wembley in 1985. Had a spell at Wakefield later in his career and was briefly Kiwis assistant coach under former Hull team-mate Gary Kemble.

Thomas Leuluai

A 2008 World Cup winner with New Zealand, the dynamic scrum-half is James's son and has enjoyed his best season, proving influential in helping Wigan to the League Leaders' Shield. Joined London Broncos from New Zealand Warriors in 2004 and moved to Wigan four years ago.

Phil Leuluai

Younger brother of James, the prop has been with Salford since 2007. A late-comer to the game, he was a policeman before heading to the NRL with Cronulla, winning Rookie of the Year in 2005 at 28. Set to play for Lezignan in France next season.