Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: Lure of another season is tempting admits seasoned second-rower Lauitiiti

Lauitiiti’s club Wakefield Trinity Wildcats said last Saturday’s win over Bradford Bulls, in the million pound match, would be his last game before retirement.

But the 36-year-old, who has another year left on his contract, admitted he is considering continuing next year.

“There’s a possibility I could still play on and go one more year,” said the former New Zealand and Samoa international, who moved to Super League to join Leeds Rhinos in 2004.

“We will see what happens, I will leave it a few weeks.”

Whatever he decides, Lauiititi – whose last game for Rhinos was their 2011 Grand Final victory over St Helens – said he is thankful for the time he has spent in Super League following his move from New Zealand Warriors.

“It has been awesome, a blessing,” he said.

“I am thankful for Leeds bringing me over here – Tony Smith [Rhinos’ then-coach] and [chief executive] Gary Hetherington and to Wakefield for giving me this opportunity and to Super League in general and the people I’ve met along the way.

“It has been a great ride.”

Saturday’s win kept Wildcats in the top-flight for another year.

“We are happy to get the result,” Lauitiiti said.

“That was our goal from when the middle-eights started.

“It is tough on Bradford, they played well and took us all the way, but it is great for the fans, the people of Wakefield and the club.”

Bulls’ Danny Addy missed a late penalty attempt which would have sent the game into golden point extra time, before a late converted try sealed Wildcats’ 24-16 victory.

“I couldn’t watch the kick or the last three minutes,” admitted Lauitiiti, who was on the bench for the final stages.

Meanwhile, Featherstone Rovers have confirmed which members of this year’s squad will not be at the club in 2016. They are: Will Sharp, Nathan Chappell, Thomas Minns, Paul Sykes, Gareth Moore, Jordan Baldwinson, Andy Ellis, Paul Wood, Reni Maitua, Matt James, Alex Foster, Jy Hitchcox, Matt Nicholson, Garreth Carvell, Remy Marginet and Paul Cooke.