League: Tui Lolohea released by New Zealand Warriors

Tuimoala Lolohea. Photo / Photosport

Tui Lolohea's Warriors days are over.

The utility player was granted a release by the Warriors earlier this afternoon and is close to inking a deal with the Wests Tigers.

Lolohea has had a number of suitors, including the Cowboys and Raiders, but has opted for the Sydney club.

His contract should be finalized in the next 24 hours and Lolohea could make his debut for the Tigers as early as next week, as he has waived his 10 day cooling off period.

The 22-year-old has only played three NRL games for the Warriors this season and hasn't been sighted in first grade since round three.

Lolohea played 52 games for the Warriors, scoring 17 tries. He made his debut off the interchange bench in round 20 of the 2014 season, playing three further games that year.

He played 23 matches in 2015, with long spells covering for Sam Tomkins at fullback and then slotting into the halves when Shaun Johnson was injured towards the end of that campaign.

Lolohea also made 22 appearances last year but never completely established himself at Mt Smart under Andrew McFadden, while new coach Stephen Kearney appeared to lose faith after the first three games of this season.

Lolohea's versatility has been a blessing and curse. He has played every backline position at the Warriors, from fullback (22 games) to halfback (five).