Damaging forward Luciano Leilua says the Leilua brothers are ready to bring the excitement on the left edge this season.
With right centre James Roberts joining the club over the off-season, Joey Leilua has been shifted to the left side of the field — teaming up with younger brother Luciano, who is excited to form the new combination.
“You know your blood is going to be there,” he said.
“We’ve been working on little combos and we’re trying to get that defence right first and we’ll focus on the attack after that.”
And when it’s time to attack — the Leilua brothers are going to play exciting footy — according to Luciano.
“It reminds me of playing backyard footy … I used to beat him all the time,” he laughed.
Match: Raiders v Wests Tigers
Round 1 -
home Team
Raiders
3rd Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
14th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
“The play style of today’s game is sort of like backyard footy — eyes up footy — that’s what we’ll be looking for.”
The back-rower says his big brother Joey is physically and mentally healthy and primed for a big season.
“He’s worked really hard in the off-season and pre-season. He’s getting his head right and that’s all we can ask for,” Luciano said.
“He’s damaging in the ball running and his defence is getting to where it needs to be.
“He did have an average year last season with the COVID stuff, but that’s no excuse.”
Liddle ready to make the most of starting spot
Leilua says the Wests Tigers squad is excited for the season opener against Canberra Raiders on Sunday after an impressive pre-season.
“The culture is the main thing we’ve been focused on,” he said.
“We’re sick of not making the finals at this organisation. It’s time to knuckle down and take this organisation to the finals — for the fans mostly.
“We need everyone buying into what we’re building here. I’m really excited. It’s been a long pre-season, so we’re ready to go.
“It’s going to be a good year. Let the Wests Tigers fans know it’s going to be a good one.”
