Rugby League: Lolohea thrown in the deep end

Tui Lolohea. Photo / Getty Images.

Even by Kiwis standards, Tui Lolohea is being thrown in the deep end this coming weekend.

The New Zealand team has often been forced to experiment in the halves over the years - it's not an area where there is usually a lot of depth - but players starting their test careers have usually had some experience beside them.

Clayton Friend had Fred Ah Kuoi inside him, Gary Freeman had Olsen Filipaina, Stacey Jones had Henry Paul, Kieran Foran had Benji Marshall and Shaun Johnson had Foran.

On Sunday (Monday morning NZT) Lolohea, playing in his first test match, will have Peta Hiku beside him, the Manly player who has spent almost his entire career at fullback or in the outside backs.

To be fair, coach Stephen Kearney didn't have many other options - once Shaun Johnson, Thomas Leuluai, Foran and Marshall were out of the picture - but it is still a big ask for the 22-year-old.

"[Yes, It's not the easiest really," admitted Lolohea. "[Peta] is new in the position too we are trying to come together and build a combination but we know where we want to go and everything is going pretty good at the moment."

The main challenge will be directing the team around the field and the precise art of game management. Last Saturday against Leeds too much of the burden fell on Issac Luke - and while he coped well - that's not an ideal situation; it might limit Luke's effectiveness in his other roles and it's always dangerous to rely too much on one player.

It also meant that the Kiwis lacked organization and structure, which kept Leeds in the game for more than an hour. It was a difficult night, as many of the New Zealand players hadn't played for weeks, but Lolohea and Hiku will need to be more involved across the test series if the Kiwis are to have any chance.

Thankfully, Lolohea is a fast learner - and doesn't lack confidence. He deputized extremely well for Sam Tomkins at fullback for the Warriors this season, also had a run of games at centre - a notoriously difficult position - before the unenviable task of replacing Johnson in the halves. He coped admirably but is he ready for test football?

"Yes, I actually am," said Lolohea. "[Last] weekend I was pretty rusty - my first game for around two months - we know that playing England is going to be a bigger test for us. It's a big step in my career. This is the best team in the world and to be a part of it is pretty special; I am looking to climb the ladder to achieve my goals in the future."

Just like at the Warriors, Lolohea needs to do a lot more talking on the field, barking at his forwards and runners. It's an area he's not completely comfortable with, naturally a bit shy like some of his team mates.

"I need to get more vocal," said Lolohea. "As a young fella it is pretty hard to get vocal with the big boys but I guess if I want to play in the halves in the future that is something I have to got to do."

And that is Lolohea's plan - long term possession of the six or seven jersey, for club and country. He played in almost every backline position last season becoming known for his utiity value but wants to specialize next year.

"People know I've played everywhere but I am looking to build something in the halves for the future...it's where I started my career as a young fella and where I want to play in the future.

It's a chance to start building now."

The Kiwis have their final day of training in Perpignan on Tuesday before returning to Hull on Wednesday to continue their preparation for the first test.

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