The Vodafone Warriors have today confirmed contract extensions for NRL rookies Tuimoala Lolohea, Solomone Kata and Sam Lisone as well as promising prop Toafofoa Sipley.
After an initial taste of first-grade football last year, the 20-year-old Lolohea has been ever-present this season appearing in all 11 matches so far as have Kata (20) and Lisone (21).
Lolohea and Kata (Mate Ma’a Tonga) and Lisone (Toa Samoa) also made their international debuts in last month’s Pacific Test in Robina.
Vodafone Junior Warriors captain Sipley (20) played his first New South Wales Cup match against the Newcastle Knights on Sunday following a string of impressive performances in the NYC and for the Junior Kiwis.
Lolohea, Kata and Lisone have all been secured to the end of the 2018 NRL season while Sipley, now in his third and final NYC campaign, has been signed to 2017.
“All four players are outstanding examples of how our pathways are working,” said Vodafone Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden.
“They’ve all been developed through the NYC and have also had experience in our New South Wales Cup side.
“I can’t say enough about the way Tui, Sol and Sam have progressed in the NRL this year. They’ve absolutely grabbed their opportunity to not only claim spots but to establish themselves as first-choice NRL players. Tof has shown he’s right on the same track as well.
“We have great confidence in all four of them playing a significant role in our future.”
Lolohea, Kata, Lisone and Sipley were all in the club’s NYC premiership-winning side last year.
Lolohea and Kata both scored tries in Sunday’s 24-20 win over the Newcastle Knights, the Vodafone Warriors’ third straight NRL victory. It was Kata’s ninth try in 11 games, leaving him just ahead of Manu Vatuvei as the Vodafone Warriors’ leading try scorer so far this season.
Lisone has impressed throughout the campaign with consistent performances from the bench when he has been injected for the experienced Ben Matulino and Jacob Lillyman.
Sipley was named players’ player of the day in consecutive matches by his NYC team-mates before earning promotion to the NSW Cup side last weekend.
SOLOMONE KATA
Date of Birth: 03/12/1994
Birthplace: Neiafu, Tonga
Junior Club: Howick Hornets
Height: 177cm
Weight: 97kg
Position: Centre
Rep Honours: 1 Test for Mate Ma’a Tonga (2015), NRL Nines (2014-15)
Previous Clubs: Nil
Club Number: 193
NRL Debut: v Newcastle, Hunter Stadium, March 07, 2015 (Round 1)
NRL Career: 11 games (2015), 36 points (9 tries)
Educated: Sacred Heart College
SAM LISONE
Date of Birth: 19/02/1994
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Junior Club: Otahuhu Leopards
Position: Prop
Height: 184cm
Weight: 105kg
Rep Honours: 1 Test for Toa Samoa (2015), NRL Nines (2015), Junior Kiwis (2014)
Previous Clubs: Nil
Club Number: 196
NRL Debut: v Newcastle, Hunter Stadium, March 07, 2015 (Round 1)
NRL Career: 11 games (2015), 0 points
Educated: Tangaroa College
TUIMOALA LOLOHEA
Date of Birth: 23/01/1995
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Junior Club: Marist Saints
Position: Fullback/Centre/Wing/Standoff
Height: 177cm
Weight: 92kg
Rep Honours: 1 Test for Mate Ma’a Tonga (2015), NRL Nines (2014-15), Junior Kiwis (2013)
Previous Clubs: Nil
Club Number: 192
NRL Debut: v Manly, Mount Smart Stadium, 27/07/2014 (Rd 20)
NRL Career: 14 games (2014-2015), 16 points (4 tries)
Educated: Kelston Boys’ High School
TOAFOFOA SIPLEY
Date of Birth: 05/01/1995
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Junior Club: Richmond Rovers
Position: Prop
Height: 188cm
Weight: 116kg
Rep Honours: Junior Kiwis (2015)
Previous Clubs: Nil
Club Number: Yet to make debut
NYC Career: 43 games (2013-2015), 56 points (14 tries)
NSW Cup Career: 1 game (2015), 0 points
Educated: St Paul’s College
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