Nobody enjoyed being tackled by Kylie Leuluai in his Leeds Rhinos pomp. In more than 250 appearances spread over nine seasons from 2007-15, the softly-spoken New Zealander became one of the most respected forwards in the Super League competition, a mainstay of six Grand Final wins at Old Trafford, as well as two World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups.
Since retirement, the 48-year-old father of three has established himself in a very different field – which is why on the Tuesday evening of Mental Health Awareness Week, he was in the Lancashire mill town of Darwen, leading two sessions in the Men’s Mental Fitness Programme delivered by Rugby League Cares.
“I’d been involved with wellbeing at Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos for ten years,” Kylie explained.
“Then I got into counselling three years ago. I studied at Manchester College, and really enjoyed my time learning the counselling, learning the skill. And then I had the opportunity to come on board with Rugby League Cares in November last year.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here, presenting and learning as well - not just from the presentations but from the groups I’ve worked with.
“It’s about growth, development, confidence, self-belief, self-esteem, understanding your values, because values shape your behaviours and the way you act and react to certain situations. There’s nothing better than learning from someone who’s experienced the challenges.”
Kylie is a key part of the Rugby League Cares team who are delivering the programme to men in Blackburn and Darwen in a partnership with the Borough Council.
It’s a six-week initial programme, with the Darwen sessions every Tuesday from 630pm at the Heritage Centre, and the focus switching to the Central Library in Blackburn on Wednesday evenings.
For full details and to sign up, click here RLCares | Blackburn with Darwen