Sporting talent often runs in the family be it siblings such as the Burgess brothers, or fathers and sons such as Kevin and Jack Sinfield, however those examples are confined just to rugby league. The latest to emerge has seen the son of a Leeds Rhinos legend take up football with his talents signed to the Premier League.
The man in question is Kylie Leuluai with his son Marley, aged 17, signing his first professional contract with Premier League side Burnley FC. The defender had previously been at Manchester City but now commits to the Clarets with his first professional contract.
Father Kylie was one of the most successful ever overseas imports to Super League, playing for Leeds Rhinos from 2007 until 2015 when he was one of three retiring Rhinos to lift the Grand Final in a dramatic game against Wigan Warriors. That marked Leuluai’s sixth Grand Final win, whilst he also lifted two Challenge Cups.
There had been talks that son Marley could have been generational in the same sport that his father played but he instead opted for football, and that looks to have paid off now given his signing of this first pro contract.
Burnley confirmed his signing via their social media and club site, releasing the following statement which read: “Burnley Football Club are pleased to announce that U18s defender Marley Leuluai has signed a professional contract at Turf Moor running until the summer of 2026.
“Leuluai joined the Clarets in the summer on a two-year scholarship from Manchester City and has been a regular figure amongst Tony Philliskirk’s U18s side this campaign.”
Signing the deal on what was his 17th birthday, Marley said: “It’s a dream come true to sign my first professional contract. That’s it really, I can’t say much more, it’s a dream.
“I think it’s been the perfect transition to be honest, joining Burnley’s Academy. The style of play we’re trying to play; I’ve been playing that all my life, so it’s been a really good transition and I’m loving every minute. It’s been really good so far.”
Burnley’s statement continued: “The defender is a New Zealand U17 international and after helping the Kiwi’s secure qualification for the U17 World Cup last season, Leuluai is now away in Indonesia for the tournament which starts this Friday.
“New Zealand’s first game is on Sunday which will see Leuluai and his teammates come up against Venezuela.”
Marley spoke ahead of playing int he tournament, stating: “I’m so excited, to represent your country in a World Cup is a dream come true as well. I’ve got an exciting few weeks coming up so I can’t wait.”
