FORMER Leeds Rhinos’ Samoan International Kylie Leuluai has joined Warrington Wolves as the club’s head of rugby operations.
Leuluai will join the club from his player welfare position at Leeds; this will form part of his role at Warrington as well as working with the first grade team on all administrative, logistical and operational aspects, and integration with the youth grades.
Leuluai’s playing career started in Australia representing Wests Tigers, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL. He made the move to Super League in 2007 signing for Leeds Rhinos where is remained a one-club man until retiring at the end of the 2015 season, with over 250 appearances for the club.
In his time at Leeds he played in six Grand Finals, five Challenge Cup Finals and five World Club Challenge matches; winning a total of 10.
Leuluai will join the club from his player welfare position at Leeds; this will form part of his role at Warrington as well as working with the first grade team on all administrative, logistical and operational aspects, and integration with the youth grades.
On joining the Warrington club Leuluai said: “For me, going to a new club is always an exciting prospect. I’ve been at seven different clubs over my career and I’ve loved the whole experience; different structures meeting new people, achieving objectives, and for me that’s an exciting challenge. Another thing that’s appealing at Warrington is the staff they have there, they all my age, it’s like a new generation coming in. I’ve played against the likes of Jon Clarke, Richard Mathers, Andrew Henderson, Lee Briers and Karl Fitzpatrick, and played alongside Steve Price back in Australia.
“All I will try to do is add value to the club. I’m hoping to add to the culture from first grade to the youth department and pass on the knowledge that has helped me to achieve success. From the welfare perspective, I can relate to the players as I’ve been there and done that. I know what it takes to overcome the challenges they face, be that form or injury, and I will be able to help in those areas.”
Head coach Steve Price added: “I played with Kylie back in 1999 at Balmain. He was always hardworking and diligent in his preparation and I saw that follow through into his playing style over at Leeds where he was very successful. He’s been on-board with the welfare at Leeds since retiring from playing and I feel he can bring that experience with him and contribute a lot to the culture within the club, instilling high standards across the board. He will be a great asset to all performance staff members and to what we are looking to build here at Warrington Wolves.”
Karl Fitzpatrick, Wolves’ chief executive, said: “Kylie is a winner with outstanding attributes. He’s compassionate, intelligent and knows what it takes to get success. These attributes make him a perfect fit for this role. He’s going to be a great support to Steve and will enhance the club culture enormously.
“As well as providing welfare support, Kylie will lead on all Rugby operational matters that includes being the conduit between first team and youth grade raising the professionalism across the board.”
