Leuluai extends Wigan deal
5 Aug 2019
Thomas Leuluai has put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension to continue his illustrious playing career with Wigan Warriors until the end of the 2020 season.
The highly-decorated half-back, who has helped Wigan Warriors to two Super League titles, a Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge title in two successful stints with the Warriors will head into his 18th season as a professional in 2020 after he debuted for New Zealand Warriors in May 2003, becoming the youngest player to ever play for the Auckland-based NRL outfit.
Wigan Warriors executive director, Kris Radlinski: “Tommy Leuluai is one of the finest imports we have had here at the Warriors and he is still producing the type of influential performances that we have grown accustomed to in a Cherry and White shirt. He has been one our stand-out performers in the 2019 season and we’re delighted to announce that we’ll be retaining one of the game’s fiercest competitors in our playing squad for another season.??
“When we went through a difficult period at the start of the season, he was the guy who put his hand up every week, playing on through the pain barrier. This never stopped him tackling as hard as he could. He is as committed now at the back-end of his career as he was when he was 21 years old, has the ultimate respect of every player and staff member and he is an absolute warrior in every sense of the words. I hope 2020 will be memorable for him."
On re-signing for the Warriors, Leuluai said: “I’m really excited to be heading into another year with this group. 2020 is shaping up to be an exciting season for everyone involved with Wigan Warriors but, first and foremost, I’ll be concentrating on helping this group defend our Super League title in 2019. Wigan has a special place in my heart, and I’m looking forward to going round for another season.??
Head coach, Adrian Lam hailed the news of Leuluai’s contract extension: “Tommy continues to play an integral part of our squad. His leadership, rugby brain and competitive edge have played a crucial role for us this season and I’m delighted that he will be part of our squad for 2020.??
