Leuluai: Forever grateful

• Tommy Leuluai reflects on Wigan’s win in the Betfred Challenge Cup Final.
• Leuluai: “They worked really hard so a huge thanks to the physio staff as it means it gave Matty an option to use me.”
• Watch the full interview on Wigan TV HERE.

Tommy Leuluai focused on thanking Head Coach Matt Peet and the physio staff for their trust and hard work which allowed him to play a part in the success of the Betfred Challenge Cup Final on Saturday.

The Club Captain played a pivotal role in the win as his long-range pass to Harry Smith set up the attacking play which led to Wigan’s 76th minute try from Liam Marshall to win the Final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Club Captain told Wigan TV: “They worked really hard so a huge thanks to the physio staff as it means it gave Matty an option to use me and I’m glad as he’s put a lot of trust in me. It was a tough call as I didn’t want to put the team into jeopardy but the role that Matty was thinking for me I thought i could do and he showed his trust which I’ll be forever grateful for.

👏 "I worked really hard, I have to thank the physio staff. Matty put a lot of trust in me."

💭 Tommy Leuluai explains how he got fit in time to play in #ChallengeCupFinal. Full interview 👉 https://t.co/X3BrP98qW7#WWRL #ChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/fI1CPbCv3F

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) June 1, 2022

“However, then he asked me to play half back which wasn’t in the plan and Harry Smith was fantastic from his composure to the key plays and I’m really happy for him. I expected to play the final quarter of the game but the injury to Cade meant I was on before half time.

“I’m grateful to be part of the group and at my age, I savour all the moments. A few weeks ago the chance of even playing wasn’t in my mind and all the hard work allowed Matty to be able to pick me which again I’m very grateful that he trusted me and we got the result.”

A 16-14 victory saw the Warriors lift the Challenge Cup for a record 20th time. Reflecting on the performance itself, Leuluai commented: “If I’m honest its possibly one of our worst performances of the year with errors aplenty but luckily we don’t have to pick it to bits as Harry came up with an amazing play at the end which Marshy [Marshall] finished off superbly and I was very proud of the group for their heart and desire.”

Leuluai heaped further praise on Club Chairman Ian Lenagan: “I was very happy to be able to celebrate the trophy with Ian as he’s been my boss for most of my career and I have a huge respect for him and his family and what they’ve done to this Club.”

On his Head Coach, Leuluai added: “Matty’s done a great job in bringing our families closer to the Club. I’ve been part of this Club for a long time and he’s done an amazing job at getting us all involved and in games like this it’s that togetherness that was vital in the final five minutes so huge praise goes to Matty on a truly fantastic job.”

You can watch the post-match interview with Tommy on Wigan TV by clicking HERE.

By Simon Driscoll