Leeds Rhinos legend returns to former club

Leeds Rhinos legend Ali Lauitiiti is a man of many talents, his latest power becoming the New Zealand Warriors‘ new chaplain while simultaneously launching his own venture Kofe Bro, a mobile coffee cart business.

What started as a family side hustle quickly became a passion project and a staple of the Go Media Stadium car park with Kofe Bro combining Lauitiiti’s love for coffee and a chance to bond with his daughters.

“Honestly, for me, it’s just about contributing joy to people’s days,” Lauitiiti said, “It’s a fun thing me and the family can bond over, but being involved with the Warriors in my new role has meant I’m able to occasionally cross the two passions over so it’s been really cool in that respect.”

Returning to the club where he began, Lauitiiti takes on the role of chaplain offering spiritual support and pastoral care.

His presence adds a unique flavour to the growing wellbeing team at the One New Zealand Warriors.

It aligns with his position as a wellbeing and education officer at the New Zealand Rugby League, bridging grassroots and professional levels.

Leeds Rhinos legend honoured

“It’s been an honour and privilege to be given the opportunity by the wellbeing team to come back to the club where I started my journey and serve in a small capacity as the team chaplain,” he said.

“I honestly can’t thank the club enough for always welcoming back past players.”

As the club continues to invest in holistic development for players, having Lauitiiti as chaplain showcases a commitment to overall player welfare, he said.

Beyond his core responsibilities, the on-field presence that was Lauitiiti’s has not been missed by the current group and the club hopes it leaves a lasting imprint both on and off the field for the 2024 squad – and beyond.

Lauitiiti takes on this new role as his nephew Herman Ese’ese joins Hull FC after speaking with the Leeds legend about the man who brought him to the Super League in the first place former Leeds, Warrington Wolves and Hull KR boss Tony Smith who is now in charge of the Black and Whites.