Kylie Leuluai has revealed that he came close to calling time on his Leeds Rhinos career prematurely after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.
The 37-year-old played his part in the Loiners' 22-20 win over Wigan Warriors in Saturday's Super League Grand Final clash at Old Trafford.
However, Leuluai - who retires from rugby as the Rhinos' most successful overseas player - was told halfway through the season that he was carrying a heart condition.
"I was very close to retiring after the Challenge Cup final," he told the Yorkshire Evening Post. "It has been a tough year and challenging. I really thought about it. I've had a few medical issues this season - I've had some trouble with my heart.
"I've ended up getting an irregular heartbeat and I've been taking medication for it since I did my shoulder. Having an irregular heartbeat takes 20 per cent of the oxygen out of your blood, so it's been very tough for me physically and it has an effect mentally as well.
"That's the reason why I've been playing shorter minutes. Brian McDermott and the club had an understanding and I don't think I could do longer than the stints I was doing because of the implications."
Leuluai joined Leeds from Manly in 2006, and will remain at the club as a welfare support officer.
Daniel Lewis
