Leuluai postpones retirement again to sign new deal

Leeds prop Kylie Leuluai has postponed his retirement once again to sign a new rolling contract at Headingley.

Leuluai, 35, was due to hang up his boots at the end of 2012 before having a change of heart mid-way through last season, and he’s now done the same again this term.

He said: “You are a long time retired and it was a big decision for me. I have to thank my wife and family for their support to stay here in Leeds and carry on playing. I am feeling good and want to continue as long as I can and I am very grateful to the club for allowing me to do that.

“I am really pleased to have got the deal sorted and can now look forward to the future starting with a big game against Huddersfield on Saturday.”

The former Samoa captain joined Leeds in 2007, and has been further boosted with the news that he and his wife no longer require visas to live and work in the UK having satisfied the necessary criteria since moving to the country six years ago.

Rhinos Head Coach Brian McDermott added: “Kylie has been in great form for us this season so it was a pretty easy decision to offer him a new deal once he decided he wanted to postpone his retirement. 

“He is a leader within our team and works hard with our medical and conditioning staff to make sure he is in the best possible shape on gameday. It is a big boost for the team to have Kylie back on board for next season and beyond.”