Lolohea and Lui switch
26 Jun 2019
Salford Red Devils have announced the signing of Tongan international Tui Lolohea from Leeds Rhinos as part of a deal which sees Rob Lui go in the opposite direction for an undisclosed fee.
Tui has agreed to join the Red Devils for the remainder of this season and has signed a two-year-deal with Salford, which will keep him at the club until 2021.
The 24-year-old utility-back, who has also represented New Zealand, will be available for selection in Salford’s Super League fixture against Wigan Warriors on Friday night.
Lolohea said: “I’m really looking forward to playing with Salford.
“They’re going really well this year and I’m excited for this new journey.
“I want to add my energy to the team and link up Jackson Hastings.
“He’s been having a great year, competing to be the Man of Steel, so I can’t wait to play alongside him.??
He added: “The level of footy at Salford has been really high and I think I can get back to playing my best there.
“I had a good discussion with Ian Watson yesterday and he thinks I will really fit into their style of play.
“This is a new challenge for me and I really want to be competing in those play-offs with Salford.??
Lolohea was a key part of Tonga’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2017 and featured for them in their Oceania Cup match against New Zealand on Saturday.
Salford Red Devils Director of Rugby & Operations Ian Blease said: “We’re really pleased to have Tui joining us at the Salford Red Devils.
“Tui is an outstanding player, who has shown his pure quality at international level and over in the NRL.
“I’m sure Coach Watson will help him express himself on the pitch for the Red Devils in our quest for a top five position in Super League and I’m also very excited to see him link up with Jackson Hastings.
Blease added: “As part of the deal, we also say goodbye to Rob Lui.
“Rob has been a superb servant for Salford and I would like to thank him for his time at the club. He can leave and be proud how he has performed in the Red Devils shirt.
“He had been weighing up his options for next year and then this move became a possibility.
“Thank you to Kevin Sinfield for working on this deal with me, which suits all parties.??
Commenting on the signing, Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield said, “We are pleased to have brought a half back of Robert’s experience into our squad for this season and the next two years. He has proven his quality in Super League over the last four seasons and I know the players are looking forward to working with him. I would like to thank Ian Blease and Ian Watson at Salford for their co-operation throughout the process and we wish Tui Lolohea all the best with his move to the AJ Bell Stadium.??
Commenting on signing for the Rhinos Lui said, “It is great to be here. I can’t wait to pull on the Leeds jersey and run out at Emerald Headingley. Having spoken with Richard Agar, I know what he wants from me for the team and I am looking forward to the challenge here at the Rhinos.??
