weststigers
Well-known member
Wests Tigers launch surprise Leilua positional switch
James Phelps
January 30, 2021 - 6:00PM
Luciano Leilua has confirmed Michael Maguire is looking to shake things up to end the Wests Tigers’ finals drought.
A positional switch at the Wests Tigers could spell double trouble for rivals, with Luciano and Joey Leilua in contention to play on the same edge.
In a move that would see the brothers team up in both defence and attack, coach Michael Maguire is considering playing Joey at left centre this year after recruiting right-hand specialist James Roberts in a major coup for the club.
Having once dreamt of becoming an NRL player like his big brother, Luciano hopes to get the chance to go shoulder to shoulder in a 220kg sibling sandwich.
“We haven’t played many games together before last year but we’ve done more on the same side this year,” Luciano said.
Brothers Luciano and Joey Leilua will pack a punch for the Wests Tigers in season 2021.
“It’s good for us because we know each other’s game a lot and it creates options for us when we attack.
“I’ve always been really impressed with what (Joey’s) been able to do in the game so it’s good to be with him now.
“Hopefully we can have some success together here because I think we’ve got a great side and we can do a lot to help get this team up to the top of the ladder this year.”
Luciano did admit there was a downside to being so close to arguably the NRL’s most antagonistic player.
“He’s been in my ear the whole time talking, which has been annoying,” Luciano said.
“We also know how to push each other — and we can get competitive at times — but that is good. We pushed each other a fair bit in pre-season to come back to training with not too much weight and in good shape.
“It’s definitely helped me be good this year and I think he’s the same.”
James Phelps
January 30, 2021 - 6:00PM
Luciano Leilua has confirmed Michael Maguire is looking to shake things up to end the Wests Tigers’ finals drought.
A positional switch at the Wests Tigers could spell double trouble for rivals, with Luciano and Joey Leilua in contention to play on the same edge.
In a move that would see the brothers team up in both defence and attack, coach Michael Maguire is considering playing Joey at left centre this year after recruiting right-hand specialist James Roberts in a major coup for the club.
Having once dreamt of becoming an NRL player like his big brother, Luciano hopes to get the chance to go shoulder to shoulder in a 220kg sibling sandwich.
“We haven’t played many games together before last year but we’ve done more on the same side this year,” Luciano said.
Brothers Luciano and Joey Leilua will pack a punch for the Wests Tigers in season 2021.
“It’s good for us because we know each other’s game a lot and it creates options for us when we attack.
“I’ve always been really impressed with what (Joey’s) been able to do in the game so it’s good to be with him now.
“Hopefully we can have some success together here because I think we’ve got a great side and we can do a lot to help get this team up to the top of the ladder this year.”
Luciano did admit there was a downside to being so close to arguably the NRL’s most antagonistic player.
“He’s been in my ear the whole time talking, which has been annoying,” Luciano said.
“We also know how to push each other — and we can get competitive at times — but that is good. We pushed each other a fair bit in pre-season to come back to training with not too much weight and in good shape.
“It’s definitely helped me be good this year and I think he’s the same.”
