Tommy Leuluai discusses 2019 plans and ‘good relationship’ with Shaun Wane
Tommy Leuluai is set to play on in 2019 but he is only thinking about sending Shaun Wane out on a high right now.
The 33-year-old has revealed that he has signed an extension in his contract that will see him play on for Wigan next season.
But the only thing on Leuluai’s mind right now is making sure the Warriors beat Warrington Wolves in the Super League Grand Final on Saturday to send departing coach Shaun Wane out on a good note.
“I had an option in my deal this year so me and the club have had a chat and I’m carrying on next year,” he told loverugbyleague.com.
“We want to win the Grand Final for the whole club – not just the guys who are leaving – but we want to it for Shaun especially because of what he has given the club over the years.
“Some people have said that you can’t really bank on that emotion of Waney leaving – but I don’t see the point in shying away from that fact, it’s an emotional game on Saturday. He has done a lot for the club and we want to win it for him.
“I’m very close to Waney. He is a good friend and some of the other players in our team have never been coached by anyone but Waney.
“There are guys that have known him a lot longer than I have but he has always been good to me. He’s a fantastic coach and he’s done really well at Wigan and we are hoping to send him off in the right way.”
Leuluai, who has 39 caps for New Zealand, made his 250th appearance for the Warriors last week.
He admitted that he is enjoying being more of a leader in Wigan’s squad this year.
“I’m very lucky to have played so many games, especially at a club like Wigan,” Leuluai added.
“Wigan have had some tremendous players and a lot of great history so I’m very proud to have played 250 games for the club.
“It is a natural progression as you get older you fall into that leadership role. I like having a laugh like everyone else and I don’t always act like the oldest but I enjoy the role.
“It is something that I’ve grown into and it is just about going about my business and preparing the best I can and hoping the boys will follow that.
“I’ve got experience on my side – but I think a lot of the younger guys at Wigan have played in Grand Finals already, so they know what it is all about and we are all excited for Saturday.”