Wigan Warriors’ star reveals the impact Tommy Leuluai has as a coach

Wigan Warriors were one of the best sides in Super League in 2022 and their ability to score points was on another level as they totalled over 800 points, 100 more than anybody else.

A mixture of youth and experience was key for the team to place second and also to secure a Challenge Cup victory with plenty of experience coming from the man who lifted the trophy, Tommy Leuluai.

The youth element was also crucial in getting the experience alongside Leuluai to now have the platform heading into 2023 to play without him.

Leuluai managed to secure some silverware in his last season as a player and has now transitioned into a coaching role at Matt Peet’s side.

Cade Cust has revealed the impact that the Kiwi legend is having at Wigan with the 24-year-old learning plenty from the veteran.

Speaking to The Sportsman Rugby League’s Youtube channel, Cust revealed Leuluai and the Challenge Cup win’s impact.

“He’s been great for Harry and I in the halves, he’s got all the experience in the world so every time we’re doing halves training he’s there to help us out and he’s definitely putting his in the right direction.

“I think the whole squad gained a lot of experience from the Challenge Cup run. You want to play in those big game, that’s why you play rugby league and it puts us in good stead for the big games this coming year.”

Cust will now head into his second season at the DW having joined from Manly Sea Eagles and ahead of the season he’s optimistic, despite the delay on pre-season from the World Cup.

“I’ve got a bit more confidence now, I want to be firing going into the season and we’ve been working hard to build those combinations.

“I had a holiday for two weeks and then went back home for six weeks but about half way through that I was ready to go back into it and see the boys and start training again. The four weeks before Christmas were vital to get everything going.”