Luciano Leilua

Luciano Leilua (born 8 June 1996) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a lock and second-row for the Wests Tigers in the NRL. He previously played for the St. George Illawarra Dragons.

Leilua was born in Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia, and is of Samoan descent. He is the younger brother of Wests Tigers player Joseph Leilua.

Leilua played his junior rugby league for Hurstville United, before being signed by the St. George Illawarra Dragons.

Early career

From 2014 to 2016, Leilua played for the St. George Illawarra Dragons' NYC team. On 25 July 2014, he re-signed with the Dragons on a 2-year contract until the end of 2016. In November and December 2014, he played for the Australian Schoolboys.

2016

In Round 22 of the 2016 NRL season, Leilua made his NRL debut for the Dragons against the Brisbane Broncos. In September, he was named at second-row in the 2016 NYC Team of the Year.

2018

Leilua made 16 appearances for St George in the 2018 NRL season as the club reached the finals after finishing 7th on the table.In week one, Leilua scored a try as St George defeated Brisbane 48-18 in an upset victory at Suncorp Stadium.The following week, Leilua played in St George's 13-12 elimination final loss against South Sydney.

2019

Leilua made a total of 22 appearances for St George in the 2019 NRL season as the club endured one of their worst ever seasons finishing in 15th place on the table. On 30 November, Leilua signed a three-year deal to join the Wests Tigers.

2020

Leilua made his debut for Wests against St. George Illawarra in round 1 of the 2020 NRL season at WIN Stadium.Wests went on to win the match 24-14 with Leilua scoring a second half try.

In round 10 against Brisbane, Leilua scored two tries as Wests Tigers won the match 48-0 at Leichhardt Oval.