Luciano to add spark in attack
LUCIANO Leilua is expected to bring much-needed strikepower to the Cowboys edges after the club confirmed a three-year deal for the backrower from 2023.
But he could arrive earlier than that, with suggestions the explosive ball runner has already agitated for an immediate release from the final year of his deal at the Tigers.
It took several long conversations with the 25-year-old before the Cowboys committed to the deal, but the club liked what they heard.
“He was really impressive,” Cowboys head of football Micheal Luck said.
“He knows his strengths and what he is good at and knows there is a few areas he needs to improve on.
“The way he has developed himself into an 80-minute player will be a good lesson for our young guys.
“In attack he has got some tools that are rare within the NRL. He is a good ballplayer and ball runner, and can create opportunities for the guys around him.
“We are looking to add more potency in attack and he is a bloke who will undoubtedly do that.
“We believe he will add a significant point of difference to our attack and will be difficult for opposition defences to plan against.
“This is a really positive move for our club.
“We are thrilled about how we got him on board.”
While the Cowboys have plenty of experience in the middle of their forward pack, with Jason Taumalolo and Jordan McLean leading the way, their backrow stocks are devoid of NRL experience.
The second row frontrunners Jeremiah Nanai, Heilum Luki and Ben Condon share a combined 27 games of NRL experience.
Leilua has played 87 games across five seasons in the top grade at the Dragons and Tigers, with 2020 easily his best in his career. The Tigers backrower played every game and finished the year with an average of more than 100 metres and two tackle breaks a game.
The Cowboys had initially put their resources into luring Penrith premiership powerhouse Viliame Kikau back to North Queensland, but when that deal fell through they pounced on the Tiger.
North Queensland still has two roster spots to fill for next season and Leilua could take one of those if the Tigers are willing to release the one-time Samoan international.