Warriors player Tuimoala Lolohea in action during the NRL Rugby League match between the Warriors and the Newcastle Knights played at Mt Smart Stadium. Photo / Dean Purcell
Warriors player Tuimoala Lolohea in action during the NRL Rugby League match between the Warriors and the Newcastle Knights played at Mt Smart Stadium. Photo / Dean Purcell
The Warriors have already made some big signings this season but, almost as importantly, have retained four of their most promising youngsters as they look to build a side capable of winning the NRL.
Issac Luke and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are the two biggest names to join the club next seasonand they've moved to tie up rookies Tuimoala Lolohea, Solomone Kata and Sam Lisone as well as promising prop Toafofoa Sipley on longer-term deals. Lolohea, Kata and Lisone have all been secured to the end of the 2018 NRL season while Sipley, now in his third and final NYC campaign, has been signed to 2017.
The 20-year-old Lolohea has been the standout of the bunch this season, filling in mainly at fullback when Sam Tomkins was injured, but he also scored a try at centre last weekend.
Kata (20) and Lisone (21) have also played in all 11 matches this year and Kata has scored nine tries this season, leaving him behind only Manu Vatuvei as the club's leading try scorer.
Lolohea and Kata (both Tonga) and Lisone (Samoa) also made their international debuts in last month's Pacific Test in Robina.
Junior Warriors captain Sipley (20) played his first NSW Cup match against the Knights on Sunday following a string of impressive performances in the NYC and for the Junior Kiwis.
"All four players are outstanding examples of how our pathways are working," Warriors coach Andrew McFadden said. "They've all been developed through the NYC and have also had experience in our New South Wales Cup side.
"I can't say enough about the way Tui, Sol and Sam have progressed in the NRL this year. They've absolutely grabbed their opportunity to not only claim spots but to establish themselves as first-choice NRL players.
