Huddersfield Giants star Tui Lolohea reveals all on Leeds Rhinos exit

Tui Lolohea has become one of Huddersfield Giants’ most potent attacking threats in 2022.

After making the move from Super League rivals Salford Red Devils ahead of the 2022 season, Lolohea has become vitally important for Ian Watson’s side as they look to shore up a play-off spot as the business end of the season approaches.

But, it hasn’t been plain sailing for the Tongan international since his move to the UK.

Lolohea was one of three overseas signings to make their move to the Leeds Rhinos ahead of the 2019 Super League season as David Furner looked to inspire the Headingley club to glory.

However, that didn’t go to plan and throughout the first half that season they were within danger of relegation as Furner was sacked and Richard Agar appointed.

And for Lolohea, a move away from the Rhinos during mid-season, seemed to be the best thing for both parties with the deal with the Salford Red Devils being completed quickly.

“Coming to Leeds was a massive thing, me, Konrad and Trent were the faces of Leeds,” Lolohea told the Say Less podcast.

“On paper we had a mean team, but we were facing relegation – we were even bottom at one stage in mid-year and we just weren’t winning any games.

“I came back to New Zealand to play a game for Tonga and my agent rang me and told me about a move to Salford.

“When I came back I went into Leeds and packed my stuff up and signed for Salford over the weekend and was playing for them the week after.”

It’s fair to say that that move to the AJ Bell Stadium kickstarted his career that had appeared so fruitful in the NRL with the Wests Tigers and he helped the Red Devils to a Super League Grand Final in 2020.

And, reunited with Ian Watson at Huddersfield, the Giants are well-placed for their own tilt at Old Trafford in 2022.