Lolohea repays coach's faith with solid show against Canberra

Tuimoala Lolohea. Photo / Getty Images

Dedicated, humble, confident and versatile.

Tuimoala Lolohea appears to tick all the boxes for a young man hoping to establish himself at rugby league's top level.

Losing Sam Tomkins for large parts of this season has undoubtedly been a blow for the Warriors but Lolohea has filled his boots impressively.

At just 20, Lolohea has taken to the NRL like a duck to water and his form hasn't gone unnoticed - with reported interest from Australian clubs.

Tomkins' return could have pushed the versatile back down the pecking order with his preferred positions - five-eighth and fullback - occupied by the Warriors' star men.

But head coach Andrew McFadden couldn't ignore his efforts and simply had to include him somewhere in the team.

Two tries and a solid display from the right wing justified his selection in the 30-8 win over Canberra.

"I felt sweet out there, to be honest," said Lolohea. "I've played there this year so I didn't feel too out of place. I guess I'm just getting more comfortable playing first grade and I'm getting more experience in playing different positions.

"I guess it's a positive in my books because I get to play in many positions. I can slot in wherever."

McFadden added: "On tonight's performance he will certainly hold his spot. I've always said he's a very versatile player. He can play anywhere and he just handles it. He's a confident kid and I thought he really added something out there.

"He had some really smart plays when he brought the ball out of awkward spots and played it safe. That's pretty good and level-headed for a young kid."

The Warriors appear to have turned a corner after their two painful defeats to the Rabbitohs and the Roosters. Two wins on the trot puts them back in the play-offs and it looks as if they're hitting form at just the right time. A bye this weekend allows the players a good chance to rest before the final end-of-season charge and Lolohea is keen to relax before the games come thick and fast.

"I just like to spend time with my family. You don't get to see much of them throughout the day because you're busy at training. I guess it's an opportunity to catch up with some family and friends that I've been missing because of my workload."