Warriors respond to speculation surrounding Tuimoala Lolohea’s future

THE Warriors have reacted to fierce speculation surrounding Tuimoala Lolohea’s future, with the talented utility appearing to fall out of favour.

THE Warriors have reacted to fierce speculation surrounding Tuimoala Lolohea’s future, with the NRL club’s boss Jim Doyle declaring the talented utility “isn’t going anywhere”.

Despite impressing as one of the Warriors’ form players over the first half of the NRL season, Lolohea appears to have fallen out of favour with coach Andrew McFadden in recent weeks.

Curiously he was only brought on from the bench in the 81st minute of the Warriors’ golden point loss to Manly in Perth last weekend.

The 21-year-old has subsequently been linked to an exit from Auckland amid reports up to five clubs were chasing his signature.

However Doyle insisted on Tuesday the Kiwis international would see out his contract with the club through to the end of 2018.

“Tui isn’t going anywhere,” Doyle said.

Tuimoala Lolohea is part of the Warriors’ future plans.

“He’s a big part of our plans and he knows that.

“Cappy (McFadden) sees Tui’s future in the halves alongside Shaun (Johnson). That’s one of the reasons why we agreed to let Thomas (Leuluai) go a year early.

“I’m sure there are plenty of other clubs interested in Tui and our other players as well but Tui will definitely be staying here at the Warriors.”

Leuluai, who played in the Warriors’ halves with Johnson last week, will join Super League outfit Wigan at the end of this NRL season.