Rob Lui makes shock rugby league comeback

When Rob Lui left Leeds Rhinos at the end of the 2021 Super League season, it was widely thought he would retire.

The 31-year-old had suffered with numerous injuries in his time at Headingley, whilst he and his family were heading back to Australia for personal reasons.

Lui first came to UK shores in 2016 as a Salford Red Devils player, registering over 100 appearances for the Lancashire club before being involved in a swap deal with Leeds which saw Tui Lolohea head the other way.

Appearances at Headingley were at a premium due to injury problems, but Lui still enamoured himself to the Rhinos faithful with impressive performances and a never-say-die attitude.

And now the former Wests Tigers halfback is set to sign for the North Queensland Cowboys’ feeder team the Blackhawks meaning he could very well feature in the NRL for North Queensland next year if called upon.

But, the current director of rugby at his old club Wests, Tim Sheens, believes Lui will take his return by storm.

“He is a smart player and gained a lot of confidence in Super League – he could be a surprise packet,” Sheens told the World Wide of Sports.

Lui made almost 100 NRL appearances between 2009 and 2015 for Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys, entrenching himself as one of the most talented halfbacks in the game.