Search

show me:

Leilua bros to link up in Tigers attack

3 minute read

Dynamic Leilua brothers Joey and Luciano are set to link up on the left side of the field for the Wests Tigers in 2020.

LUCIANO LEILUA of the Tigers.
LUCIANO LEILUA of the Tigers. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Joey Leilua's face lights up when he speaks about playing alongside his little brother Luciano on the Wests Tigers' left edge this season.

The experienced centre and the rising young second rower are set to be unleashed as a dynamic attacking threat this year with coach Michael Maguire banking on their natural instincts to light up a field.

While the 29-year-old former Samoan international is a well-known live wire, Luciano is beginning to establish himself as one of the Tigers' most consistent performers.

The switch comes as James Roberts and David Nofoaluma, who are now housemates in Sydney, prepare to link up on the right.

The Leilua brothers were unleashed on the right side last season but were pulled apart in defence despite being electric in attack.

Joey says moving to the left will unlock their brilliance as a duo this year with Luciano more comfortable defending on that side of the field.

"I can't wait to play outside of him," he told AAP.

"It'll make my job easier, I won't have to run the ball as much, hopefully I can just run off him and score some tries.

"We played on the right side for a few games last year, but he wasn't a right-side player. He's more of a left-side player.

"I can play both."

Smiling as he speaks, the obvious inference is that older brother Joey has taught his 24-year-old sibling everything he knows.

But perhaps the biggest lesson has been what not to do.

After Joey was suspended for four matches for a sickening hit on Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards last season, Luciano put his head down and delivered in his brother's absence.

Joey said he doesn't speak of how proud he is of Luciano often, but he was during that period.

"He stood up and played really well for the four games I was out," Joey said.

"He went out and played his arse off. It wasn't for him, it was for the team. I told him to learn from my mistakes.

"It took him a while to get into first grade, but Madge brought him here overweight, he cut him down and look at him now. He's playing his best footy.

"He always had the potential, he just needed to do something about it. I saw it at a young age too, but to see him now fulfil what he's capable of doing, I'm really proud of him."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au