An overseas Super League half-back with over 20 caps for his nation has landed a coaching role with a giant of the community game.
That’s not uncommon among some of the top Super League stars with reigning Man of Steel now the head coach of Siddal, having been part of the club’s coaching set-up last year when they won the League Leaders Shield in the National Conference League.
Siddal were defeated in the Grand Final by West Hull but it’s another top six side that have landed a Super League half as their coach, with Rochdale Mayfield confirming that Huddersfield Giants playmaker Tui Lolohea will be part of their coaching set-up in 2026.
Mayfield were supposed to kick off the BBC’s Challenge Cup coverage on Saturday, however, their game against Ince Rose Bridge was cancelled on account of the weather conditions that have plagued the first round of the competition and led to numerous cancellations.
Huddersfield Giants star takes on community coaching role
Instead of taking Ince Rose Bridge on Saturday afternoon, Mayfield took to social media to confirm their coaching set-up for their upcoming campaign in the National Premier League.
Andy Reid has been announced as head coach with Tui Lolohea joining as an assistant alongside Rob Kershaw and Adam Pirouzan.
Taking to Instagram, Mayfield shared details on each member of the coaching staff, confirming Reid to be part of the club for over 30 years and previously had a ‘highly successful spell in charge of the Under 18s’.
Reid also works within the Warrington Wolves academy with Wire boasting one of Mayfield’s former players in Matty Ashton among their squad.
Lolohea was also officially confirmed to be an assistant, with the club announcing: “Joining him (Reid) as Assistant Coach is Super League star Tuimoala Lolohea.
“Tuimoala plays as a stand-off or fullback for the Huddersfield Giants and has represented both New Zealand and Tonga at international level. He brings a wealth of playing experience and is eager to begin his coaching journey with Rochdale Mayfield.”
Mayfield will now play Ince Rose Bridge next weekend as they bid to make round two of the Challenge Cup where Championship side Swinton Lions await the winner.
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