Wigan Warriors are open to Tommy Leuluai postponing his retirement and playing on again in 2023.

Leuluai, who has been with the Warriors since 2017, turns 37 next month and is off-contract.

The playmaker had been widely expected to hang up his boots at the end of this season, but Wigan coach Matty Peet says communication has continued with the Kiwi about potentially playing on.

“It’s just open dialogue between us and Tommy,” Peet told Everything Rugby League.

“I think he’ll make a decision towards the back end of the year.”

Leuluai is in his second spell at the DW Stadium, after playing there from 2007 to 2012.

The halfback has been a tremendous servant for Wigan, making more than 300 appearances and winning two Super League grand finals, three League Leader’s Shield, one Challenge Cup and one World Club Challenge.

 
This season the 36-year-old has been in fine form but in April tore his MCL and will be sidelined with the injury for several months.

Peet was effusive in his praise for Leuluai and his standing at the club.

“He’s been unbelievable,” he said.

“People ask about the culture we’re trying to build.

“It’s easy for me, I just hold up Sean O’Loughlin and Tommy Leuluai and Liam Farrell and say ‘be like that’.

“We’ve got some great figureheads at our club. It’s quite simple for me, we’ve got them people.

“Not every club is so fortunate to have role models.

“We’ve got ones like Sean and Tommy and it makes my job a lot easier.”

Leuluai debuted in the NRL with the Warriors in 2003.

He has played 39 Tests for New Zealand, helping them win the 2008 World Cup and the 2010 Four Nations.