Leeds prop Kylie Leuluai is hoping to go one better than his uncle James by lifting the Carnegie Challenge Cup on Saturday.
Kiwi prop aiming to do rugby dynasty proud
Leeds prop Kylie Leuluai is hoping to go one better than his uncle James by lifting the Carnegie Challenge Cup at Wembley on Saturday.
James Leuluai narrowly missed getting his hands on the famous trophy when he was on the losing side in the 1985 final.
The Kiwi centre, who won 29 international caps, scored two tries in one of the classic Wembley finals that saw Hull go down 28-24 to Wigan.
Kylie, however, is determined to reverse that form when the Super League champions take on current Challenge Cup holders Warrington.
He is part of a Leuluai dynasty that also sees cousin Thomas, who was born six weeks after his father James scored those famous tries a quarter of a century ago, play for rivals Wigan.
His uncle Phil also plays second row at Salford, although he is set to join French club Lezignan Sangliers for the 2010/11 season.
Massive occasion
Another cousin Magraff plies his trade with Leigh and, with such a strong pedigree to live up to, the Leeds forward is determined to do his family proud on Saturday.
"It's definitely a highlight of my career," said Kylie. "It's the oldest trophy in the game.
"My uncle played for Hull back in 1985 and that's when I first started watching the English league.
"He used to send videos back of the games and we would watch them at my grandmother's with my brothers and my cousins.
"I never thought I'd get an opportunity to play in the Cup final. It's a massive occasion. I've never been to Wembley but I always wanted to play there."
The Rhinos will go into their first final at Wembley for 11 years with just two specialist props after losing both Jamie Peacock and Luke Burgess to injury.
But despite their absence, Leuluai remains confident that Leeds have the fire power up front to combat the threat from holders Warrington
Sharp
"Obviously it's a key player that's missing," admitted Leuluai. "JP does a lot of work for us but I think everyone will step up to the plate.
"We've got Ryan Bailey, who's a quality front rower, and now Ian Kirke and Greg Eastwood are playing there and then we've got our other forwards like Ali and Jamie Jones-Buchanan.
"Everyone has a job to do. I think it will be a good test for both teams."
Coach Brian McClennan is remaining tight-lipped about his team and said on Friday that he would not reveal his line-up until just an hour before kick-off.
The cagey coach's secrecy is in sharp contrast to opposite number and Leeds predecessor Tony Smith, who has already named his 17.
"The players have got a good idea," McClennan said. "We had all 19 train today and I'm very pleased with that.
"The ones that take the pitch are what we think suits this game and the game plan we have for Warrington.
"I thought we looked really sharp. I think the team are in a really good place. We're pretty solid with what we're doing."
