Tui’s load of Lols
TUI LOLOHEA is promising Leeds fans a glimpse of a bright new future in the Rhinos’ Boxing Day clash.
Leeds suffered a torrid 2018, with a relegation battle helping get coach Brian McDermott the sack.
But new half-back signing Lolohea (below) is confident the good times are ready to roll again for the 2017 champs.
He said: “I am really excited. I am sure the crowd are going to enjoy the footy we play.”
Lolohea will make his debut in Wednesday’s home friendly against Wakefield, alongside fellow Tonga international Konrad Hurrell.
The club’s third big signing, former Oz star Trent Merrin, is out.
New coach David Furner will use the game to run the rule over former Hull KR and Bradford forward James Donaldson.
He is on trial and Furner said: “He’s been doing a very good job but I’m keen to look at him playing.”
Jamie Jones-Buchanan, 37, also plays – 20 years after his first Boxing Day game for the club. HE’S NO PUDDING: Viv Richards puts Joe Root’s drive down to his Yorkshire roots Sir Len Hutton. So they breed them especially tough, gritty and strong in Yorkshire. “Root had a difficult start as captain in Australia but you learn on the job.
“He suddenly had it put on him when Cook gave it up and it takes time to stamp your style on things. It is not surprising to me that he is now proving he can lead the team well, and with some success.
“I like Root as a batsman. He has a good technique and likes to play positively. He likes to take the game to the opposition and try to dominate. “However, he doesn’t score as many centuries or big centuries as he should do. He gets very good starts but needs to convert more into three figures. Still, he’s such an important figure for England and when he scores runs they tend to win games. “He will enjoy playing on the Caribbean wickets and I expect him to be one of England’s main run scorers in that series.”
Root should have every confidence he can lead his country to three Test series triumphs in a row for a few reasons – mainly due to England’s dominance over the Windies since the start of the Millennium. They have won 20 of the 33 Tests played between the nations in that time, losing just four. Richards expects James Anderson to have an enjoyable tour.
He said: “Jimmy ranks with all the great English bowlers of the past. “The number of wickets he has is testament to what a great talent he is and also his professionalism as leader of the bowling attack.”