League: Leuluai keen to get Anzac call

England-based Thomas Leuluai would love to play for the Kiwis in the Anzac rugby league test against Australia, although he admits his present form is nothing spectacular.

Kiwis coach Brian McClennan is facing a crisis at halfback for the test in Brisbane on May 5, following the injury-enforced withdrawal of Benji Marshall.

Marshall, who sparks West Tigers from five-eighth in the National Rugby League, was being considered a starter at halfback by McClennan until he was ruled out of the test due to a shoulder injury.

Now, McClennan, seeking to fill the void left by the retirement of Kiwis great Stacey Jones, is back to square one as he searches for a No 7 for the Brisbane test.

Leuluai would love to play against Australia -- he made the first of seven test appearances against the Kangaroos in 2003 when the Kiwis won 30-16 in Brisbane -- although he does not think his form in Britain recommends him.

"I have not performed in the last couple of games," Leuluai told Radio Live today from London where his Harlequins team, formerly the London Broncos, lie 11th of the 12 Super League clubs after just one win in eight matches.

"I know if I'm playing well that I'll get my chances with the Kiwis but at the moment I'm not playing as well as I'd like.

"We're not going good as a club and I'd like to be in better form."

Leuluai, still only 20, seemed destined for a huge future when he helped spark New Zealand to victory over Australia three years ago.

He was a reluctant recruit to Britain, heading there only after being jettisoned by the New Zealand Warriors in 2004.

He feels like he has some unfinished business to do, and still feels New Zealand and Australian crowds have yet to see the best of him.

"I didn't play my best footie when I was back in New Zealand. I was young and inexperienced, and I think I was chucked in when I wasn't ready.

"I came over here to get back on my feet again and learn to control a team from half."

If McClennan's search led him to calling Leuluai, do not expect the youngster to hang up.

"If I get the call to come back I will, no one will throw a chance like that away."

- NZPA