Leeds Rhinos second-rower Ali Lauitiiti is hoping to extend his medal collection in what could be his final World Club Challenge.
New Zealander looks forward to Elland Road clash
Leeds Rhinos second-rower Ali Lauitiiti is hoping to extend his notable medal collection in what could be his final World Club Challenge on Sunday.
Lauitiiti, Rhinos' most successful overseas player of all time, is in his seventh season at the Yorkshire club and is considering a move back to his homeland New Zealand when his contract expires at the end of the year.
"It's the last year on my contract so I might head back home, I don't know what's going to happen," said Lauitiiti.
"I didn't think I would end up living here more than two years. Time has gone quick, it's been enjoyable."
Residency
The 30-year-old, who is currently in training for Sunday's clash against Melbourne Storm, has enjoyed his time in England to the extent that he has decided to take up residency, and is currently studying for the Life in the UK Test by the UK Border Agency as part of his application.
"I've got to do an exam before they process the papers so I'm revising and studying at the moment," added Lauitiiti.
"I have loved my time here in England and two of my three girls have been born here, this is their home.
"That is the main reason why I am going for residency, so it will help them in later life to come back to Britain."
The former New Zealand international has featured in four Super League Grand Final-winning teams since joining Leeds in 2004 and will compete in his fourth World Club Challenge at Elland Road this weekend.
Lauitiiti, who formerly played for Auckland Warriors, is hoping Rhinos can make up for their 28-20 defeat to Manly Sea Eagles last year and emulate their 2008 triumph over Storm.
"I didn't have a good game. I think I let in a couple of tries, which was the difference. It's a little incentive to do what we couldn't do last year," he said.
Struggling
Lauitiiti believes Super League champions Rhinos can find their form on Sunday after struggling to make an impact in the season so far, losing two of their opening four matches.
"Other teams are much better this year and we're still trying to gel as a team," said Lauitiiti.
"We have to get it right on Sunday and the coaching staff have been working really hard. It's the little things we have to tweak a bit, we should be right."
