Tui Lolohea reveals he kicked winning sideline conversion with a PCL tear to right knee
TUI Lolohea has revealed how he played the final ten minutes in round one with a grade two PCL tear in his right knee — the same leg that kicked the winning sideline conversion against the Roosters.
Tigers
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tigers. Followed categories will be added to My News.
IT IS not quite John Sattler-esque, but Tui Lolohea has revealed how he played the final ten minutes in round one with a grade two PCL tear in his right knee — the same leg that kicked the winning conversion from the sideline against the Sydney Roosters.
Lolohea’s effort was another example of how the Wests Tigers are prepared to play through pain for each other this season.
The 23-year-old fullback, who returns to Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday, his old stomping ground with the New Zealand Warriors — and scene of the World Cup heartbreak after Tonga’s semi-final loss — was delighted his knee survived his Easter Monday return.
“I did it during the (Roosters) game, but I didn’t feel it because the adrenaline was pumping,’’ Lolohea said.
REFORMATION: Tigers’ defensive wall built on trust
LATE MAIL: Pangai boost for Broncos
“There were about 10 minutes to go. I was getting sprayed by the trainer who was telling me to ‘get up’.
“I didn’t feel it until I cooled down.
“I was pretty gutted I missed the next two weeks of footy, and it always sucks (when you’re sidelined) at the start of the year because you do all this work over the pre-season.
“I’m just glad I got through the game on Monday.’’
Lolohea arrived at the Tigers midway through last season and was the first to admit his confidence was shot after being dumped to the Warriors’ reserve grade team and plonked on the wing.
After James Tedesco announced his mega deal with the Sydney Roosters, Tigers coach Ivan Cleary told Lolohea he would be given first shot at the No. 1 jersey in 2018.
Lolohea impressed in the opening round, Corey Thompson was just as awesome at fullback in rounds two and three before Lolohea reclaimed his preferred position.
Like Tonga, Lolohea wants to build some good memories in clubland, and has plenty of reasons to believe the Tigers can do just that.
“(Saturday) will be a different occasion there, but it will be an awesome weekend,’’ Lolohea said.
“I still think about the Cup.
“I’ve seen videos on Facebook still appearing, the crowd. It’s cool. I really enjoy thinking back to the support we had. We’ve had a lot of support for the Tigers games as well.
“It will be good if we can get another over Melbourne. Melbourne will want one back on us. I’m gutted I didn’t get to play them last time, (Billy) Slater is one of the best fullbacks, and it’s always good to play against someone who is the benchmark (in your position).’’
Lolohea has enjoyed the extra responsibility of goalkicking, and has regularly praised Tigers assistant coach and former sharpshooter Brett Hodgson for his input.
The Tigers are chasing their fourth win in five games, and are understood to have been paid around $350,000 to take their home game against the premiers across the ditch.