WHEN they say somebody is a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none there’s a pretty good chance they’re talking about Tuimoala Lolohea.
The 22-year old has been saddled with the dreaded “utility” tag for much of his NRL career, migrating throughout the backline and the halves as the Warriors try to unlock the undeniable talent that lurks within.
Lolohea has been linked with a move away from the Warriors but he’ll get a chance to showcase his wares this weekend when he lines up at five-eighth for Tonga against Fiji on Saturday night.
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Lolohea wants to prove he has what it takes. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)Source:Getty Images
“I’ve had a lot of people say to me this is a good chance to stamp my mark on where I want to play.
“I know that’s a lot of pressure but I’ve got a lot of support from the boys and a lot of support from the coach (Kristian Woolf).
“They’re confident in me, that’s why they selected me to play in that role. I’m just building myself up slowly throughout the week and getting myself up to have a good game this week.”
Despite his backline wanderings, Lolohea still sees himself as a halfback or five-eighth.
“That’s where I started playing in my career and that’s where I played growing up.
“I was talking to Will Hopoate about it, that I felt a little bit lost, mind-wise. It’s going to be a good test for me this week back in the halves”
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Should Lolohea decide to cross the Tasman there will be no shortage of clubs keen for his signature.
With Kieran Foran’s expected move to Canterbury, there is a vacant spot in the halves for the Warriors but that may be out of reach for now as Lolohea says the club are yet to confirm what his best position will be.
“Still deciding. I’ve played most of my career at wing or centre. I’ve been everywhere, but wing is the spot where I’ve been playing most of my footy.
“I’m looking to be get away from that (this weekend) and getting back to somewhere I love playing and where I feel most comfortable.”
Lolohea’s inclusion is a massive boost for the Tongans, who have struggled at times to field quality playmakers to go with their brutal forwards and exciting backline. He’ll partner up in the halves with fellow Warrior Ata Hingano while Canterbury custodian Hopoate will be making his debut.
Originally published as Lolohea aims to show he can deliver
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