Warriors sign Santo
The path has been laid for Tuimoala Lolohea to leave the Warriors, with the club signing Zac Santo from the Raiders.
As reported by Stuff on Sunday, the Warriors were chasing the Raiders reserve grade player to join the club immediately, which would then allow Lolohea to move to another NRL club, most likely Wests Tigers.
The Warriors put an offer to Santo and the Raiders late last week. It has now been agreed on and he’ll soon move over to the other side of the Tasman to attempt to kickstart his NRL career.
It has been reported that Santo could play for the Warriors as soon as Saturday’s game against the Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium.
However, as he wasn’t named on Tuesday in the Warriors’ 21-man squad for the game, he won’t be allowed to play, according to the NRL’s rules.
Lolohea trained with the Warriors team on Wednesday night and there is still water to pass under the bridge before he appears in the NRL again.
Firstly, the Warriors have to grant him an early release from the contract that was supposed to finish at the end of next season, then negotiations have to be finalised with his next club. Lolohea has offers on the table from Wests Tigers, the Raiders and Cowboys.
It is also believed that the Warriors will wait until the 10-day cooling off period for players changing clubs is complete before letting Lolohea go, unless Santo signs to waive that right.
The 24-year-old Santo has played just three NRL games in his career, one for the Cowboys and two for the Raiders.
With Jack Wighton playing fullback at the Raiders his career had stalled at Canberra, but the fact that he was named NSW Cup fullback of the year last season demonstrates his ability.
At the Warriors there’s little chance of him dislodging Roger Tuivasa-Sheck but he will provide good cover.