Leuluai concedes time with Kiwis may be nearing an end
Thomas Leuluai concedes his days in the Kiwis jersey are numbered.
The 31-year-old, who’s a proven world class player at hooker or five-eighth, is leaving the Warriors at the end of the season to return to Wigan.
It’s a move driven for personal rather than playing reasons, as his wife is from England.
But a consequence of the move is that it’s less likely he’ll be picked for the Kiwis again.
‘‘It makes it harder Leuluai admitted.
‘‘I knew that before I made the decision and I talked to Stephen (Kearney, Kiwis coach) about it too.
‘‘But my decision definitely,’’ to go back wasn’t based on based on family.
‘‘That’s the way it is, there pros and cons to everything.’’
The days are gone when New Zealand players would fly back from England for mid-season Kiwis tests, this is partly because less New Zealand players in their prime are heading to the Super League, because the money is better in the NRL.
Also, having to make the trip down under straight after a Super League game, then playing a midweek fixture is too much of an ask for a player.
‘‘Stephen didn’t rule it out, but I’m a bit of a realist and understand it will be tough for him,’’ Leuluai said.
‘‘Not just because of the competition football, it was are I’ll be playing in, but also the amount of young players are coming through and that’s making it hard for everyone.
‘‘Five or six years ago, you could have probably named the Kiwis team for an end of season trip by now, but it’s a lot harder these days, especially in the positions I play.’’
While next year’s final Anzac test appears off the cards, Leuluai says he’s keen on being in the squad for the Four Nations at the end of this season.
‘‘I’m always keen to play and I’ve never said no,’’ he said.
‘‘If my form warrants it and I’m playing good enough, I’ll always say yes to the Kiwis.
‘‘I’ve never turned that jersey down and I don’t think I ever will.’’
Leuluai could be picked for the World Cup at the end of next season as he would be able to be with the Kiwis for a couple of weeks before the tournament begins, but that would depend on whether Kearney feels he’ll be playing at a high enough standard.
The possible retirement of Benji Marshall at the age of 31, because he’s struggling to get a contract next year, serves as a reminder to Leuluai that his time as a professional sportsman is coming towards an end. As Leuluai says, he’s a realist. ‘‘I think you must be pretty naive once you hit 30 not to think like that,’’ he said.
‘‘We all know that when you get to that age you’re one injury away from maybe having to give it up.’’