Lauitiiti: Out of contract at the end of the season

The 32-year-old former New Zealand international is out of contract with the Challenge Cup semi-finalists at the end of the season and admits a move to French rugby union could be a possibility, even though has barely played the 15-man game.

"I only played it at school but I don't mind giving it a go," he said.

"Where I'm from, rugby union is the main game.

"I'm not too sure what's going to happen. It's up in the air. I could still be at Leeds or somewhere else. Hopefully I'll know in the next couple of weeks.

"I'll go wherever I can get a job."

Lauitiiti, who is in his eighth season with the Rhinos, played in all three of the Rhinos' consecutive Grand Final triumphs from 2007-09 but has yet to experience a Challenge Cup victory and was a spectator at Wembley last August when they lost 30-6 to Warrington.

Despite his vast experience, the former Auckland Warrior was one of the unlucky players left out of coach Brian McClennan's final line-up but he took the disappointment on the chin.

"It's part of rugby, you've got to take the bad with the good," he said.

"I was just happy for the boys getting there.

"I got injured and wasn't playing that well at the time. I think other guys deserved it more than me."

Lauitiiti played in Leeds' quarter-final win over Hull but will not be taking his place in Sunday's semi-final against Castleford at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium for granted.

"There's heaps of young guys coming through, pushing their way into the first grade, which is a good thing," he said. "It's a healthy environment."

Lauitiiti is facing lots of competition as Leeds coach Brian McDermott prepares to select his semi-final line-up from a virtually fully fit squad while Castleford face the prospect of being without key playmaker Rangi Chase.

The former Junior Kiwi, who has been in sensational form for the Tigers this year, is preparing to make a round-the-world trip for a court hearing over an incident that happened on Queensland's Gold Coast almost three years ago and may not be back in time to play in the club's biggest match for 12 years.

However, Lauitiiti insists there will be no complacency from the Rhinos as they look to move a step closer to ending their own 33-year wait for Challenge Cup glory.

"It's going to be tough," he said.

"Cas are a good team, they've proven that. It's the Challenge Cup and anyone's game. The main thing is that we turn up and worry about ourselves."