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From Man City to Auckland FC: Marley Leuluai's long road home
Sport Nation •  September 18th, 2026 7:00 am
Marley Leuluai | Photo: Auckland FC
Auckland FC's latest signing Marley Leuluai is hoping to make his mark in the A-League after spending a decade developing his game in the academies of Manchester City and Burnley.
The 19-year-old Kiwi midfielder, who can also play at centre-back and right-back, has joined Auckland after spending the past two seasons with Burnley.
Sydney-born Leuluai comes from a rich sporting heritage. Father Kylie played for the NRL's Manly Sea Eagles, while cousin Thomas Leuluai and James Leuluai both represented New Zealand at international level.
Leuluai, who grew up in the Manchester City academy from the age of six to 16, said his time at the Premier League club taught him the technical and tactical aspects of the game.
His move to Burnley provided a different education, with a greater emphasis on physicality and work without the ball.
He also had the opportunity to train under former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany during Kompany's time at Burnley.
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"Even just normal defensive stuff, I just learnt the body shape and how to use your body to get in front of the attackers," Leuluai told Sport Nation Mornings.
"I just learned so much about positioning and positional awareness in both midfield and at the back."
Leuluai has also represented New Zealand at age-group level and comes from a prominent rugby league family, with his father and uncle having played professionally.
Leuluai said his family's experience in professional sport had helped him deal with the injuries and setbacks he encountered during his development.
Now, he is ready to take the next step with Auckland FC.
"I've heard about Auckland FC for the last two years," he said.
"As soon as Auckland FC came in, that was definitely something I wanted to go and try."
Listen to the full interview below:
