Tuimoala Lolohea

Leeds Rhinos sign Tonga World Cup star for 2019

The New Zealand-born goal kicker will join Rhinos’ from NRL side Wests Tigers and is Rhinos’ first recruit since Kevin Sinfield rejoined the club as director of rugby last week.

Lolohea, 23, played at scrum-half for New Zealand against Rhinos at Headingley in the autumn of 2015 ahead of the Kiwis’ three-match Test series with England, kicking two goals.

He featured in all of five of Tonga’s World Cup matches last year, including at stand-off in the narrow semi-final loss to England, scoring three tries.

Marshall backs Lolohea at No 1

Marshall described Lolohea as being Tonga's second-best player, only behind powerhouse forward Jason Taumalolo, during their dream RLWC campaign which ended in Saturday's heart-breaking semifinal loss to England.

Playing at five-eighth, Lolohea guided Mate Ma'a Tonga to within touching distance of a dream finals appearance.

While his kicking, fifth-tackle options and game management was sometimes lacking during the RLWC, his explosiveness and game-breaking ability was on show.

Happy Tuimoala Lolohea dreaming of Tonga success at World Cup

The 22-year-old went through a turbulent year in the NRL, dumped out of the first-grade team at the Warriors, before rediscovering his best form at the Tigers.

He is back in Auckland this week getting ready for Tonga's World Cup preparations and looks set to play a pivotal role in the halves alongside former team-mate Ata Hingano.

"I'm really excited about this World Cup," Lolohea said. "I watched the last one because I was 18. I was keen to play in it, but I guess I was a bit young.

Tigers confirm Lolohea signed

Lolohea has signed a deal with the Tigers through to the end of the National Rugby 2019 season after playing just 53 first grade games over three seasons for the Warriors.

While he partnered Shaun Johnson in the halves last season under former head coach Andrew McFadden, Lolohea fell out of favour with the Warriors current head coach Stephen Kearney.

Early on in the season it was clear Lolohea would struggle for game time in the first grade with Kieran Foran joining Johnson in the halves and captain Roger Tuivasa Sheck the number one choice at fullback.

Lolohea signs with Wests Tigers

Lolohea has joined Wests Tigers until at least the end of the 2019 season and is available for selection for the team’s Round 13 clash against the St George Illawarra Dragons.

The versatile 22-year-old has played 53 NRL games for the New Zealand Warriors since making his debut in 2014.

Wests Tigers head coach Ivan Cleary welcomed Lolohea to the club.

Tuimoala Lolohea opens up on why he wants out at Warriors

The 22-year-old has been told by the club that they'll allow him to leave before his current contract runs out.

Wests Tigers are one of three clubs interested in picking him up, possibly as early as this season.

Lolohea is in Sydney this week, preparing for Tonga's test against Fiji on Saturday and told Australian media that a change of environment could be good for him.

"I've been in my comfort zone and maybe I need to get out of my comfort zone and get away from the things I am comfortable with," Lolohea told Fox Sports.