Lovodua’s loving new life with the Islanders at Hull
JOEY LOVODUA flew into Super League under the radar but has well and truly blown his cover.
Little was known about Hull’s new Fiji star when he arrived in the off-season, after five years of Australian reserve grade rugby.
But his stunning pace, deception around the ruck and eye-catching tries and assists have put him firmly in the spotlight.
Lovodua, 24, who can play back-row, in the halves and centres as well as his preferred hooking role, says he always believed he could succeed.
But he admits it’s the strong Pacific Island contingent at Hull that has helped him to hit the ground running.
Lovodua said: “It’s been like home from home because of the Islanders we’ve got here. It wasn’t a hard decision to make – they’ve all been very welcoming.”
Three other firstteamers have Fijian heritage – Kane
Evans, Chris Satae and Mitieli Vulikijapani – while there are two Fijiians in the Academy, one in the wheelchair team and one director.
Lovodua said: “I’ve played with Kane for Fiji and we know each other’s games inside out.
“I’ve played against Chris in the past and I used to think, ‘Oh my God’ when he was running at me. I’m glad we’re team-mates now. I didn’t know Mitieli before but we’ve become close.”
Life is good for Lovodua but he struggled to get a chance in the NRL, playing reserve grade for St George Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney Rabbitohs. At one stage he had to work on a building site to makes ends meet.
He said: “It was hard but it puts everything into perspective. Everyone goes through tough times at some point but it’s important to have that attitude of never giving up.”
Hull, who play Warrington tomorrow (5.30pm), have had a mixed run of results this season but the dynamic ball-playing skills of Lovodua (left) have been a highlight.
He said: “I love the off-the-cuff stuff, just trying to make something out of nothing.”
In tomorrow’s other Super League fixtures, St Helens face a tough trip to Huddersfield, with Wigan hosting Wakefield Trinity.
Castleford are at home to Leeds, Salford host Catalans Dragons and Hull KR travel to face Toulouse.
All those games start at 3pm.