League: Lolohea may be long-term option

Tuimoala Lolohea may be groomed for a five-eighth role. Photo / Getty Images

With the impending departure of Chad Townsend in 2016, one of the most important decisions for the Warriors' brain trust is who will be given the No 6 jersey next year.

It's vital they get it right and select the most capable lieutenant beside Shaun Johnson. The halfback is very talented but needs support in the halves.

It's too much at the moment to expect Johnson to direct the team around the field and come up with the plays to break the game open. He's not yet ready to be both conductor and star violinist.

The Warriors have had few dominant five-eighths in their history.

Lance Hohaia was good in the role early in his career before becoming a utility player, and James Maloney's exit from Mt Smart was premature. Others like Gene Ngamu, John Simon, Motu Tony and Michael Witt had their moments without stamping a long-term mark.

Thomas Leuluai is the obvious option next season, depending on his impending knee reconstruction surgery. The 29-year-old provides a steady hand beside Johnson and is a great talker and organiser.

He is also one of the best defenders in the NRL and is a direct runner, able to straighten up the Warriors' attack. However, his long kicking game is limited, which means teams can put more pressure on Johnson, and their combination didn't always work well in 2014.

"Thomas is an obvious choice," said Warriors coach Andrew McFadden. "We all know his strengths and he brings so much experience and knowledge. But Tui [Lolohea] will be pushing for a spot as well. It's good to have competition."

Lolohea is an immensely-talented player and showed his growing maturity this year, performing well in several different positions in his first extended spell in the top grade.

He thrived at fullback in Sam Tomkins' absence and has shown some potential at centre, but Lolohea has his sights set on the No6 jersey one day.

"I enjoyed playing at fullback," said Lolohea, "I found my love [for that position] again. But probably my favourite position is in the halves, and that is where I have played most of my life. I'll play anywhere but I would like to have a go at No 6."

Lolohea starred in the Holden Cup at five-eighth but it remains to be seen if he is ready for NRL in that position. There is also the concern that Johnson and Lolohea are too similar, as they both favour an off-the-cuff style of play. The most likely 2016 scenario will see Leuluai and Lolohea sharing the duties, with Lolohea learning his trade before a fulltime slot in 2017 or 2018.