Taking longer than many had perhaps expected it to, the move has finally been made official by the Wests Tigers as they confirm the immediate signing of utility back Tuimoala Lolohea until the end of the 2019 season.
After being granted permission by the New Zealand Warriors to talk to other teams about an early release, it was granted.
“Tui and his management recently asked us for permission to talk to other clubs about a possible move and have since requested an early release from the rest of his contract,” said Vodafone Warriors recruitment and development manager Tony Iro.
“We appreciate the service Tui has given the club and wish him all the best.”
With 53 NRL games to date since making his debut in 2014, Lolohea has recently been in and out of the Warriors side prompting the player’s desire to leave.
The Tigers are excited to have Lolohea on board and he is expected to be named for the Tigers clash this week for Rd 13.
“On behalf of everyone at Wests Tigers I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Tui to the club,” said Tigers coach Ivan Cleary.
“Tui has shown that he is a player of tremendous natural talent.
“We look forward to helping him develop, and reach his true potential, in the coming years.”
Having represented both New Zealand and Tonga at the international level, Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe is looking forward to seeing him take the next step.
“We look forward to having a player of Tui’s talent join Wests Tigers for the coming two and a half seasons,” said Pascoe.
“At just 22 years of age he’s already represented both New Zealand and Tonga and we’re keen to see him take his game to the next level here.”