THOMAS SAINT HOPEFUL
THOMAS LEULUAI admits Wigan do not deserve to be considered contenders for the League Leaders’ Shield.
The Shield will be presented to Super League’s top side after completion of the Super 8s.
With a maximum 18 points available, including two from tonight’s derby against St Helens at the DW Stadium, Wigan trail leaders Saints by eight.
“If we were to win the Shield it would have to fall our way quite a lot,” said Kiwi Leuluai, who is set to stay at Wigan next season.
“Saints are playing really good football and are easily the best team in the comp, in attack and defence.”
Asked if he thought Justin Holbrook’s side are catchable, Leuluai added: “Probably not. I don’t think we deserve to catch them. If we had deserved to, then we would have been closer by now.”
Wigan come into the game smarting from last week’s defeat at Huddersfield Giants and Leuluai says they need a convincing win.
“We need to win a few more big games for people to be looking at us as contenders,” said the Warriors hooker, whose duel with Saints’ opposite number, James Roby, should be fascinating.
“He is best in the competition in that position,” said Leuluai of his rival. “He is a good football player, he is durable and plays long minutes.
“His passing, running ability and decision making also makes him outstanding.”
There have been suggestions Leuluai, 33, might retire at the end of the season. But he said: “My body feels good. They want me to carry on playing and I think that’s the way it will be.”