Eels set sights on Warriors’ Lolohea

PARRAMATTA have earmarked Tuimoala Lolohea as a potential replacement for troubled fiveeighth Kieran Foran should the rising star seek to leave the Warriors.

Lolohea, 21, 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.

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.

Foran has requested a release from Parramatta to deal with a raft of personal issues. and, 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.

Meanwhile, Manly duo Luke Burgess and Feleti Mateo have signed for Super League club Salford and will link up with their new teammates early next week.

Burgess, who started his career with Leeds, returns home from Sydney having spent six years in the NRL with South Sydney and the Sea Eagles.

Both players have been signed initially for the Super 8s, which start on the first weekend of August, and could potentially become permanent signings.

‘‘We are bringing in a couple of great players as insurance. You can’t risk going into the 8s and picking up a couple of injuries and finding yourself relegated,’’ said former Kangaroos and Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens, who is Salford’s director of rugby. with AAP