16 Oct 2017

Kiwis unveil World Cup jersey

6:08 pm on 16 October 2017

Kiwis hooker Thomas Leuluai revealed more than just the Kiwis 2017 World Cup jersey at today's launch.

Thomas Leuluai during Kiwis playing jersey launch ahead of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Thomas Leuluai during Kiwis playing jersey launch ahead of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz

Leuluai only arrived in New Zealand on the weekend but has already had his first training session with the team ahead of the start of the World Cup later this month.

The 32-year-old said he was surprised by his inclusion in the squad given his shift back to the UK to play for Wigan in the Super League.

Coach David Kidwell picked Leuluai ahead of Warriors hooker Issac Luke who has struggled for form this season.

Leulaui's versatility in the halves was one of the main reasons behind his inclusion but he revealed Kidwell wants him to play at dummy half for the majority of the tournament.

He also disclosed his shock at North Queensland Cowboys superstar Jason Taumalolo's decision to defect to Tonga just a day before the Kiwis world cup squad was announced earlier this year.

That said, Leuluai said he would happily welcome Taumalolo back into the Kiwis camp in the future.

"I could if he felt like he wanted to play for New Zealand," Leuluai said. "The rules make it so you can do that.

"At the end of the day he's half Tongan, half New Zealand. Who are we to say that he can't represent the country where his parents come from, so I've got no problems with it."

The 32-year-old also expects the World Cup to be his last time in the Kiwis jersey.

-RNZ