Joey Leilua makes a bid to move from centre to second row

Wests Tigers centre Joey Leilua isn’t close to calling time on his rugby league career - he just wants to take it in a different direction.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 08: Joseph Leilua of the Tigers looks dejected during the round nine NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, on May 08, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Wests Tigers centre Joey Leilua wants a shock switch to the back row, a position where he would be “devastating, brutal and damaging.”

Leilua has played the majority of his 11-year NRL career at centre but has spoken of a shift into the forwards to become a 111kg wrecking ball.

An edge backrower with the 2009 Australian Schoolboys and at junior representative level with St George Illawarra, Leilua will line up for Wests Tigers’ important match against New Zealand Warriors in Gosford on Friday night.

Leilua comes off contract after 2022 but Wests Tigers have the option for next season. The club is yet to determine whether to retain the former Roosters, Knights and Raiders star.

While not wanting to be seen as pressuring Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire into a position move, Leilua outlined why he wanted to become an edge forward.

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Joey Leilua is a devastating runner but could he handle the workrate in the backrow? Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Leilua has only started in the back row twice in his 224-game career, both times in his rookie season in 2010.

“I played my juniors in the back row and would love a return there sometime,” Leilua said.

“It’s up to my coach where I play and I have found a home in the centres but reckon I could benefit from a change of position at this time of my career.

“I like to get the ball in the hands and keep busy on the field. I like being in the action.

“I handled back row well as a young bloke and reckon I could succeed there again. I’m only 29 so could adapt back fairly easily.”

Leilua’s manager, Paul Sutton, predicted his client would become a sensation in the back row.

“I think making BJ an edge backrower would be better than him playing centre. He can be a brutal player with the footy,” Sutton said. “He has had a career in the centres but I think it’s time for him to move back to the back row.

“I think he would be devastating there as an edge back rower. Playing there would keep Joey busy, involved and focused.

“I’ve spoken to some clubs about him being a backrower and I think he would be a more attractive proposition. Joey has a physical presence so going back into the back row, I think he would be damaging.”

Joey Leilua (R) is keen to join his brothers Luciano in the back row.

A possible shift for Leilua comes as reports emerge that Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire and chief executive Justin Pascoe flew to Brisbane to hold unofficial talks with Broncos stars Jamayne Isaako and Tevita Pangai Jr.

Leilua’s discipline has attracted headlines although most rival players agree he is a powerhouse when at his bulldozing best.

He spent time in NSW Cup earlier this year but has returned to the NRL and is thriving on playing with younger brother, Luciano. Leilua ran for 105 metres against Newcastle last weekend in Magic Round.

Earlier this month, Immortal Andrew Johns questioned Leilua’s form but then added: “He’s just so powerful. He’s just such a weapon.”

The Tigers (three wins this season) and Warriors (four wins) sit outside the top eight.

Winger David Nofoaluma will on Friday night become just the 13th Wests Tigers player to reach 150 NRL games.

Originally published as Joey Leilua makes a bid to move from centre to second row