Leeds Rhinos prop Kylie Leuluai is looking to bow out of Rugby League with at least one last trophy as the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup holders head to Hull FC for a quarter-final tie on Friday night.
Leuluai, who recently announced his intention to retire for real after reversing the decision twice in the past, will bring the curtain down on a glittering career with the Rhinos.
The 37-year-old was part of the side that defeated Castleford Tigers in last year’s Wembley final to clinch the Challenge Cup that had eluded the Rhinos since 1999.
“It would be a dream finish to win some more silverware in my final year at Leeds,” said Leuluai.
“Whatever happens, I’ve been quite lucky to have such a great career at Leeds to win so much in a great team.
“It was a relief to get the win at Wembley last year. We’ve won the Super League title five times since I’ve been here so it was good to get the monkey off the back with the Challenge Cup after losing three finals in a row.”
Friday night’s game will see the Rhinos face Hull FC for the second time in the space of six days. Leuluai, who has missed the majority of the season with a shoulder problem, believes Sunday’s 32-20 victory won’t be much of a factor going into the Cup tie.
“It won’t matter too much that we’ve played them on Sunday and then again on Friday night, it will be a different game especially with it being in the Challenge Cup,” he said.
“We’ve been a bit shaky in the league recently with a few dropped points, but we’re looking to go out there and get our structures right and progress to the next stage.
“I’ve had about three months off with a shoulder injury which has been frustrating. I’ve played a couple of games now so I’m just looking to get back on the horse and get a consistent run of games.”
