The Vodafone Warriors have secured one of the game’s most exciting prospects by signing 19-year old standoff Tuimoala Lolohea on a new three-year contract.
Photosport
The Kelston Boys’ High School product showed his immense potential as part of the club’s NRL Auckland Nines squad at Eden Park weekend.
It followed his two-try performance for the Vodafone Warriors in their NRL trial against the Gold Coast Titans at North Harbour Stadium on February 9.
The rising star has also been included in the 22-man NRL squad for Sunday’s trial against the Brisbane Broncos at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
The news of Lolohea’s signing comes hot on the back of the club announcing Shaun Johnson will remain with the Vodafone Warriors until the end of the 2017 season.
“We are fortunate to have two extremely talented young playmakers at the club at the same time,” said head coach Matt Elliott.
Lolohea left his imprint on the NYC competition last year scoring 22 tries in 28 appearances for the Vodafone Junior Warriors. His dazzling feet, speed and skill saw him named the club’s TNT NYC Young Player of the Year while he was also a finalist for the Vodafone NYC Player of the Year Award. Although the Marist Saints junior and current Junior Kiwi is still eligible for the NYC under-20 team, he has been training with the club’s NRL squad.
TRANS TASMAN CUP
Sunday, February 23, 3.00pm
Vodafone Warriors v Brisbane
Forsyth Barr Stadium
TUIMOALA LOLOHEA
Date of Birth: January 23, 1995
Height: 177cm
Weight: 89kg
Position: Standoff
Rep Honours: Junior Kiwis 2013, NZ Residents 18s 2012-13
Junior Club: Marist Saints
NYC Career: 28 appearances for Vodafone Junior Warriors (2013)
NYC Points: 134 (22 tries, 23 goals)
Secondary School: Kelston Boys’ High School
