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Page last updated at 14:55 GMT, Thursday, 27 May 2010 15:55 UK

Thomas Leuluai out to emulate his father

Wigan scrum-half Thomas Leuluai
Leuluai faces cousin Kylie in the Headingley quarter-final

Wigan scrum-half Thomas Leuluai is eager to emulate his father's Wembley success by helping Warriors reach this season's Challenge Cup final.

Dad James scored two tries for Hull in their 28-24 defeat by Wigan in 1985.

Wigan travel to Leeds in the quarter-finals on Saturday and Leuluai said: "I was born six weeks after Dad played.

"I haven't seen the full match but I have watched the highlights. I've never been to Wembley. It would be a dream come true to play there."

He added: "That final was a sensational game and I enjoyed watching rival half-backs Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling, as well as my dad of course.

"He is back in Auckland working as a social worker but he and mum and other family members would be over if we reached the final."

Super League leaders Wigan travel to Headingley nine points ahead of the Rhinos and having beaten them when the sides met at the DW Stadium earlier in the season.

Hopefully there will be one member of the Leuluai family at Wembley. I'd sooner it be me though

Wigan scrum-half Thomas Leuluai

"Leeds may be further down the league ladder than us but that means nothing," said the New Zealand international.

"They have their big guns back and are now firing on all cylinders. We are anticipating a very tough game."

Thomas is a member of a well-known rugby league playing dynasty, with younger brother Macgraff playing for Leigh, uncle Philip at Salford and cousin Kylie with Saturday's opponents Leeds.

"I speak to Kylie regularly and hopefully there will be one member of the Leuluai family at Wembley. I'd sooner it be me though," he said.



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22 May 10 |  My Club
Leuluai extends contract at Wigan
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