Lolohea making the most of his Tigers time at the back
Tui Lolohea missed Wests Tigers’ previous win against Melbourne. It might have something to do with the fact he kicked the winning goal the previous week with a grade-two PCL injury.
If further proof was needed the Tigers are putting the team before themselves, then here it is.
Tuimoala Lolohea is building a strong case to cement the Tigers' No.1 jersey.
Photo: AAP"I did it during the [Roosters] game,” Lolohea said. “I didn't feel it because the adrenaline was still pumping in me.
"It was about 10 minutes to go. I was getting sprayed from the trainer, telling me to 'get up'.
"I didn't feel it until I cooled down. It was a PCL injury.
"I was pretty gutted I missed two weeks of footy, it sucks at the start of the year because you do all this work over the pre-season, but I'm glad I got through it and the game on the weekend.
"In the beginning of the [Parramatta] game I was nervous about how it would hold up, but as the game went on I didn't worry about it and did my job.”
Indeed, Lolohea has been doing such a good job at fullback that he could well become the permanent replacement for James Tedesco rather than just a stop-gap. The joint-venture outfit had a crack at Roger Tuivasa-Sheck before the Kiwis captain re-signed with the Warriors, while Lolohea was dumped to reserve grade during the pre-season trials as punishment for letting himself go over the summer.
However, Lolohea has been an integral part of the side when fit, being rock solid at the back and being almost flawless with the boot when crucial penalties or conversions have been awarded. Now he has an opportunity to be part of a Tigers outfit attempting to become the first team to defeat Melbourne twice in the same season since the Warriors achieved the feat in July 2015.
"It will be good if we can get another one over them,” he said.
“At moment heading in the right direction, but this game is important to us. Melbourne will want one back on us, if we can get one on them, it will be a bonus
“Gutted I didn't play Melbourne last time. Like all fullbacks, you like lining up against international fullbacks, [Billy] Slater is one of the best and is always good to play against someone who is the benchmark.”
Saturday’s clash is the first match in a double-header in Auckland, also featuring the Warriors hosting the Cowboys. For Lolohea, it will be the first time the former Warrior returns to Mt Smart Stadium since being in the Tongan side that lost an epic semi-final 20-18 against England.
Lolohea has previously represented the Kiwis but his appearance in Tongan game shorts at Tigers training during the week was a pointer to where his allegiance lies.
"I think I will [stick with Tonga],” he said. “The World Cup was special to me, what we did do and what we created, it's something I'll cherish forever, and I want to continue to build more special occasions like that.
"We can do something special. A lot of Polynesians play in NRL and hopefully we can inspire them to help a Pacific island team and put us on the map and give us best opportunity to play against tier-one teams.
"You want to play against the best to see where we're at, and no better feeling playing against NZ, Australia and England.”