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Parramatta Eels eye New Zealand Warriors' Tui Lolohea as Kieran Foran's replacement
July 23 2016 - 7:00PM
Adrian Proszenko
Parramatta have earmarked Tuimoala Lolohea as a potential replacement for troubled five-eighth Kieran Foran should the rising star seek to leave the Warriors.
Lolohea is contracted to the Warriors until the end of 2018, but several clubs have made discreet inquiries about his availability after he was used sparingly by coach Andrew McFadden in recent weeks. The Eels, in search of at least one playmaker for next season and possibly two if Corey Norman accepts a lucrative three-year deal to join the Dragons, are one of the interested parties.
The 21-year-old Lolohea, who has already represented the Kiwis, received just two minutes of game time in the loss to Manly and those came in extra time.
While frustrated by the lack of opportunities, a diplomatic Lolohea has publicly stated he wants to remain at the Warriors "forever". However, that may change if he continues to be overlooked for a starting spot.
The Dragons, on the lookout for a fullback and also a contingency plan should Norman re-sign with Parramatta, are also watching the Lolohea developments with interest. Ditto Newcastle, who are yet to settle on a long-term No.1.
Foran has requested a release from Parramatta to deal with personal issues. If it is forthcoming, it will free up $1.2 million a season to spend on Jarryd Hayne or other players. If available, Lolohea would be an ideal replacement.
Eels lose more talent
Parramatta have lost one of their most promising young players after granting Travis Turnbull a release on compassionate grounds.
Turnbull is considered an NRL star of the future and has been a standout for the Maroons under-16s Origin teams in recent campaigns. The Eels recognised his undoubted talents by tying him to a contract until the end of 2018 in the belief he would eventually play first grade. However, the half-fullback has struggled with homesickness since shifting from Queensland and requested a release.
The Eels were desperate to keep him, but realised he needed the support of his family network.
The Broncos and Cowboys, who missed out on Turnbull's signature the last time he was a free agent, are expected to have another crack at him.
Norman can count himself lucky
There would have been an almighty outcry from Bondi Junction if Corey Norman copped anything less than an eight-game penalty for his recent antics. Roosters powerbrokers had more than a passing interest in how the NRL sanctioned Norman after Mitchell Pearce also copped eight weeks, although Pearce's fine was more than $100,000 stiffer.
Norman can count himself lucky as his indiscretions were greater: he pleaded guilty to a serious offence and he was not only aware he was being filmed in his sex video, but actually disseminated it to teammates, and he was only spared the humiliation of having the footage aired publicly because of its explicit nature.
Ironically, the Roosters had briefly considered chasing Norman to partner Pearce in the halves but did their due diligence and decided not to make an offer because of his loose off-field behaviour.
Parramatta Eels eye New Zealand Warriors' Tui Lolohea as Kieran Foran's replacement
July 23 2016 - 7:00PM
Adrian Proszenko
Parramatta have earmarked Tuimoala Lolohea as a potential replacement for troubled five-eighth Kieran Foran should the rising star seek to leave the Warriors.
Lolohea is contracted to the Warriors until the end of 2018, but several clubs have made discreet inquiries about his availability after he was used sparingly by coach Andrew McFadden in recent weeks. The Eels, in search of at least one playmaker for next season and possibly two if Corey Norman accepts a lucrative three-year deal to join the Dragons, are one of the interested parties.
The 21-year-old Lolohea, who has already represented the Kiwis, received just two minutes of game time in the loss to Manly and those came in extra time.
While frustrated by the lack of opportunities, a diplomatic Lolohea has publicly stated he wants to remain at the Warriors "forever". However, that may change if he continues to be overlooked for a starting spot.
The Dragons, on the lookout for a fullback and also a contingency plan should Norman re-sign with Parramatta, are also watching the Lolohea developments with interest. Ditto Newcastle, who are yet to settle on a long-term No.1.
Foran has requested a release from Parramatta to deal with personal issues. If it is forthcoming, it will free up $1.2 million a season to spend on Jarryd Hayne or other players. If available, Lolohea would be an ideal replacement.
Eels lose more talent
Parramatta have lost one of their most promising young players after granting Travis Turnbull a release on compassionate grounds.
Turnbull is considered an NRL star of the future and has been a standout for the Maroons under-16s Origin teams in recent campaigns. The Eels recognised his undoubted talents by tying him to a contract until the end of 2018 in the belief he would eventually play first grade. However, the half-fullback has struggled with homesickness since shifting from Queensland and requested a release.
The Eels were desperate to keep him, but realised he needed the support of his family network.
The Broncos and Cowboys, who missed out on Turnbull's signature the last time he was a free agent, are expected to have another crack at him.
Norman can count himself lucky
There would have been an almighty outcry from Bondi Junction if Corey Norman copped anything less than an eight-game penalty for his recent antics. Roosters powerbrokers had more than a passing interest in how the NRL sanctioned Norman after Mitchell Pearce also copped eight weeks, although Pearce's fine was more than $100,000 stiffer.
Norman can count himself lucky as his indiscretions were greater: he pleaded guilty to a serious offence and he was not only aware he was being filmed in his sex video, but actually disseminated it to teammates, and he was only spared the humiliation of having the footage aired publicly because of its explicit nature.
Ironically, the Roosters had briefly considered chasing Norman to partner Pearce in the halves but did their due diligence and decided not to make an offer because of his loose off-field behaviour.
