Lealiifano heads to Arden St

Thu, Dec 15, 2016, 8:47 PM
AAP
by AAP
Christian Lealiifano at Arden St. Photo: Instagram
Christian Lealiifano at Arden St. Photo: Instagram

Christian Lealiifano put himself back in the sporting arena this week, taking a trip down to North Melbourne's Arden St base.

Injured Test cricketer Peter Siddle is one of the Kangaroos' most high-profile supporters and helped organise the visit for the Brumbies playmaker.

Lealiifano posted to Instagram about the visit earlier this week, including a snap with AFL games record holder Brent Harvey, who retired last season and has transitioned into a mentoring role with the team ahead o the 2017 season.


Lealiifano is currently in Melbourne undergoing treatment for leukaemia, after being diagnosed with the disease in August this year.

A number of the Wallabies have paid the Brumbies captain visits in recent weeks and months, with David Pocock stopping off in Melbourne before embarking on his first season.

Lealiifano is originally from Victoria, with much of his family still based there.


Lealiifano has already been ruled out for the 2017 season, with the Brumbies believed to have an open offer for him to coach beyond that if he is unable to return to rugby.

The 28-year-old has been recognised for his on-field impact this season, taking out the Brumbies' Brett Robinson Medal as well as the RUPA Medal of Excellence earlier this month, an award that takes into consideration playing form and off-field conduct.

He made his return to the Wallabies fold in June after the birth of son Jeremih, but was unable to play any further part in the season after his diagnosis.

The Brumbies finish up their first block of preseason training next week, as they prepare to usher in a new era in 2017 without Lealiifano, Matt Toomua (Leicester), Stephen Moore (Reds) and Pocock (sabbatical).

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