Ali Lauitiiti considering code switch after Carnegie Challenge Cup 2011
Ali Lauitiiti, second rower of Leeds Rhinos since 2004, is considering swapping the Rugby LEague for Rugby Union after the culmination of the Carnegie Challenge Cup season 2011. He hopes to join the French rugby union if he makes the switch.
Lauitiiti’s contract with Rhinos will expire by the end of this season, as his term with Leeds was a two and half year long. However, he is heading with the ambitions of swapping to the alternate code of rugby, although he does not have experience in rugby
union.
Speaking about his playing time with the opposite code he stated, “I only played it at school but I don't mind giving it a go. Where I'm from, rugby union is the main game.”
He further added that being a New Zealander himself by origin, the major game which is played there is Rugby Union. It was yet not clarified by him that what exactly he has decided for his future, as he mentioned that his future will be where ever he finds
his next job, without ruling out the possibility of future link-ups with Leeds. Lauitiiti confirmed that it will be decided in a few weeks’ time, which direction he will take.
Leeds who sit on the sixth spot within the Super League table, have cantered into the semi-finals after bagging a massive victory of 38-22 in the quarter-final clash against Hull FC on Sunday, July 24. Being the semi-finalist of Challenge Cup, Leeds is
aspiring to be the title holders of 2011, at the Wembley Stadium, on August 27.
While speaking about winning the title, Lauitiiti stated, “It is a goal of mine. I think as a club we want to do it this year, but there’s still two rounds before the final and it is going to be tough. It would be good to get there. It was difficult missing
out last year, but that’s part of rugby league.”
He further mentioned that this year Rhinos are treading into the Challenge Cup with the ambition of getting the desired result which could not be achieved last season, as they had to face a massive blow of 6- 30 against Warrington. Lauitiiti was sitting
out of the squad last year in Challenge Cup on account of injury, which was disappointing for him too.
This year’s quarter-final clash featured Lauitiiti but he will miss out on his spot in the semi-final squad against Castleford at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium.
Despite the vast experience the 32-year-old Kiwi second rower has to offer, the Leeds squad is facing a lot of competition with young blood pouring in to make variable sets of alternatives available for Brian McDermott. This is squeezing out veteran players.
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