After a stellar performance in his club debut, Wests Tigers centre Joey Leilua believes the sky is the limit for his brother Luciano as the pair prepare for a big season together on the right edge.
Having not played together in an official club match prior to Sunday's Round 1 clash against the Dragons — despite playing over 250 NRL games between them — the Leilua brothers showed glimpses of why Wests Tigers fans should be excited for the year ahead with a number of promising touches in the 24-14 victory.
Having moved from the Dragons in the off-season, the win was extra special for Luciano as he scored the match-winning try against his old side — ending the night with 127 metres from 13 runs along with 30 tackles.
“It was one of the best feelings,” Luciano Leilua reflected.
“Especially there in Wollongong against my old club — that made it extra special.
"To run alongside my brother too made it such a good game."
Press Conference: Luciano Leilua
The brothers had played together for Samoa during the 2019 NRL World Nines, and in Wests Tigers trial victory over the New Zealand Warriors in Rotorua, but not on the same NRL field prior to Sunday's season opener — making it an emotional time for all involved with the Leilua family.
"It was great," Joey Leilua said.
"I got a bit emotional for it being the first time and seeing him play so well. We did have a talk after the game and we spoke about getting better every week.
“I thought he was always better than me when we were growing up," Joey continued.
“He was more of a footy freak and I was the opposite. I was outside and doing my own thing.
"But for him, the sky is the limit if he really wants it.
"He does all the hard work that no one wants to do and if he keeps doing that, I’m sure he’ll make it."
