Thomas Leuluai has warned England and the rest of the sides in this year’s Four Nations that the Kiwis are “angry” about their poor form away from the southern hemisphere: and they are keen to put that right over the next month.
Leuluai, who will return to Super League next year for a second spell with Wigan, insists that the Kiwis are frustrated by their form in the United Kingdom: they have not won a series or tournament in this country since 2005.
That comes despite winning major silverware Down Under, and Leuluai believes that now is the time to put that unfavourable record right.
“We haven’t performed well over here for a long time,” he said.
“It’s something that we’ve been angry about, coming over here and not playing well.
“It’s over 10 years since we’ve won a series here, despite having a lot of success back there and being world number one.
“We won our first ANZAC test in a few years last year, and there was the Four Nations before that. We haven’t produced that form over here and that’s something we need to change.”
Leuluai has returned to England with his young family for good – he will not head home after the Four Nations – with his English wife and young daughter making the trip with him.
However, Leuluai admits he’s not sure who his daughter will be supporting with a split in allegiance in the Leuluai household!
“I think she’ll be supporting us but I haven’t asked her! Our daughter was born in New Zealand so hopefully she’s supporting me
“She’ll definitely get a little Kiwis top and hopefully mum will put it on her.”
And having missed last year’s Test series defeat to England, Leuluai insists he’s keen to make up for lost time.
“The last time I came here I was injured in the World Cup, and last year I didn’t get a chance to play at all. I’m raring to go now – we all can’t wait for weekend.”
