Huddersfield confirm signing of Tui Lolohea

Huddersfield have confirmed the signing of Tonga international Tui Lolohea from Salford on a two-year deal.

The 26-year-old half-back has made almost 150 career appearances for New Zealand Warriors, Wests Tigers, Leeds and Salford.

Lolohea, who has won 12 caps for Tonga, helped Salford reach the Super League Grand Final in 2019 and the Challenge Cup final the following season.

Huddersfield coach Ian Watson, who worked with Lolohea during his time at Salford, said: “We know what Tui is good at – he’s good at running the football and breaking into open space.

“He’s got unbelievable footwork. He’s also a strong boy – If you get him in open space, there’s not too many that can stop him.

“I’ve worked with him for a couple of years, I trust him and what he does. We’ve built a great relationship and we’re good at working together to get the results we want. When he gets his eyes up and plays off the cuff, he’s a great player to have in our side.”

Lolohea said: “I know Ian Watson and his philosophy and what he wants from the team, I’m looking forward to the new challenge and seeing what I can do here. I’m close with him, we text and talk and I’m looking forward to winning games and trying to get some silverware with this club.

“He wants leadership first and foremost, there’s a lot of young players coming through so trying to help them and build their game.

“I’m looking forward to working with Greg Brown as well, him and Ian have a good balance in their qualities and I’m looking forward to being around them again.

“I try and play off the cuff, take opportunities and play with the flow. I’m looking to build my game around different things but improve myself while I’m here.”

Lolohea will be looking for a big season with Huddersfield in 2022 as he hopes to represent Tonga in his second World Cup.