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Returning Wigan Warriors ace Thomas Leuluai has revealed how joining arch-rivals St Helens became a “real possibility” when negotiations surrounding his UK comeback began.
The 31-year-old halfback, who has been ruled out for up to ten weeks after suffering a broken jaw while on international duty for New Zealand, agreed to rejoin the Warriors back in July.
Leuluai admits conversations with Langtree Park bosses were had, following a four-year stint back in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors.
But the Kiwi playmaker believes he has made the correct call and is relishing life back with the DW Stadium club.
“(Joining Saints) was a possibility at one stage, a real possibility to be honest,” he said, in an exclusive interview with Rugby League World Magazine, which hits the stores on Friday.
“It was a tough decision actually at the time.
“I had a few conversations with people there. I am not going to go through the whole negotiation process but at the
end of the day, this was right for me.
“It’s good to be back, seeing a lot of familiar faces.
“With my wife being from Wigan and us having a new-born baby, I thought for my family it would be better for us to be back in England.
“I’ve got a lot of close friends at Wigan and I really love the club and its history.
“If I had to, I would have gone to another club but, luckily enough, they’re the best fit for me and my family. I don’t know about the other boys but it has worked out that way for me.”
Leuluai will undergo rehabilitation before returning to full training later this year, with the Warriors’ medical staff working to ensure he is fit in time for pre-season action in January.
