Thomas Leuluai : Tue May 31, 2022 6:09 pm  

Does he rank as one of Wigans greatest ever signings?

Arguably one of the most understated players around but his contributions to Wigan over the years really are unparalleled in the SL era.

His defence alone is the stuff of legend but moments like the pass to Smith in the Cup Final are just typical of him.

Really hope he joins the coaching set up when he decides to retire as I’m told he’s highly regarded in that respect.

Re: Thomas Leuluai : Tue May 31, 2022 6:11 pm  

dany1979 wrote:

Does he rank as one of Wigans greatest ever signings?

Arguably one of the most understated players around but his contributions to Wigan over the years really are unparalleled in the SL era.

His defence alone is the stuff of legend but moments like the pass to Smith in the Cup Final are just typical of him.

Really hope he joins the coaching set up when he decides to retire as I’m told he’s highly regarded in that respect.

100%.

I was saying to one of my mates on Saturday that he's a Wigan legend. Would he make our all time 13? No - but there's plenty of greats who'd miss out as well.

He's been fantastic for us.

Re: Thomas Leuluai : Tue May 31, 2022 6:18 pm  

dany1979 wrote:

Does he rank as one of Wigans greatest ever signings?

Arguably one of the most understated players around but his contributions to Wigan over the years really are unparalleled in the SL era.

His defence alone is the stuff of legend but moments like the pass to Smith in the Cup Final are just typical of him.

Really hope he joins the coaching set up when he decides to retire as I’m told he’s highly regarded in that respect.

Without a doubt yes

Re: Thomas Leuluai : Tue May 31, 2022 6:35 pm  

If you based it on talent (I'm not saying he's not talented), then no, if based on effort, commitment, longevity, loyalty, toughest shoulder in the game, then yes absolutely on each and every one.

Re: Thomas Leuluai : Tue May 31, 2022 8:15 pm  

He just gives you a feeling of comfort and confidence. More than happy with Smith and O’Neill recently but just having Tommy in the squad on Saturday gave me personally a real lift and I’d imagine the playing squad felt the same. If he doesn’t play Saturday, we probably don’t win. We’d have been in a bit of a mess after the Cust injury without him.

He’s a Wigan legend without any doubt. It feels like more than ever he’s got an aura about him and is having that Lockers style lift on the team.

Re: Thomas Leuluai : Tue May 31, 2022 9:45 pm  

If he wants to I’d like to see him go round again next year. Ideal bench hooker and covering the halves when required.

The issue is fitting him in without compromising Smith’s and O’Neil’s development (on the assumption we are retaining Powell)

Re: Thomas Leuluai : Wed Jun 01, 2022 6:27 am  

He is such a smart player and without doubt has to go down as one of our best signings.

His leadership is key to us both in words and example.

His pass to Smith was sublime creating the opportunity for Smith to execute the play and forcing Jerry to come into the defensive line and expose the space behind him.

I heard a rumour he has signed again for another year and as I said earlier in the year I hope it’s true.

His value to the squad is massive even if he isn’t on the starting team. With his ability to cover halves and 9.

Re: Thomas Leuluai : Wed Jun 01, 2022 7:38 am  

I’d be more than happy with the extra year (crazy to think me and many others thought he should retire at the end of last). Where else would we get a player of that quality to fill a role as a leader and mentor for Smith, Cust, O’Neill etc? He doesn’t need to play every week but you can drop him in whenever you see fit and gives the younger guys rests.

After Mike Cooper I think we’ll need a winger and a centre of French leaves but pretty happy with how things are shaping up.

Re: Thomas Leuluai : Wed Jun 01, 2022 9:18 am  

For as much as they're still favourites for the GF, Saints are showing the risks of not being well stocked in the halves. We have to be planning on going into next season with Smith starting and O'Neill getting opportunities, but if Tommy is happy coming in and out of the team, then it's a total no brainer to keep him on. Ridiculously fit for a 36 year old.

Re: Thomas Leuluai : Wed Jun 01, 2022 9:25 am  

When previewing the game I went short of calling him club legend as that word gets banded around too much but he’s got to be up there.

Man of the match 2010 GF

Absolutely pivotal to our 2011 CC win

WCC win

2018 GF win

Then his effort to get back for this game is stuff of legend.

Wane praised him at every chance saying he’s the most intelligent player he’s ever coached, basically a coach on the field.

As has been mentioned he’s having a Lockers like effect of lifting the team.

If he wants to carry on next year we should let him and I think he’d be humble enough to take a bit of a back seat to Cust and Smith.

12 years at the club from an overseas player has to be nearly a club record ?