Leeds and Salford confirm swap deal between Rob Lui and Tui Lolohea

Drew Darbyshire

Photo courtesy of Richard Long

Leeds have signed Salford half-back Rob Lui on loan for the rest of the season, with Tui Lolohea going in the opposite direction. 

The Rhinos have signed Lui on loan for the rest of 2019 and have agreed a two-year contract with the 29-year-old from 2020.

Leeds have paid a fee believed to be in the region of £65,000 to the Red Devils, with Tonga international Lolohea heading to Salford.

Lolohea, 24, has signed a two-year contract with the Red Devils, keeping him at the club until the end of 2021.

Rhinos director of rugby, Kevin Sinfield, commented: “We are pleased to have brought a half-back of Robert’s experience into our squad for this season and the next two years.

“He has proven his quality in Super League over the last four seasons and I know the players are looking forward to working with him.

“I would like to thank Ian Blease and Ian Watson at Salford for their co-operation throughout the process and we wish Tui Lolohea all the best with his move to the AJ Bell Stadium.”

Red Devils director of rugby and operations, Ian Blease, said: “We’re really pleased to have Tui joining us at the Salford Red Devils.

“Tui is an outstanding player, who has shown his pure quality at international level and over in the NRL.

“I’m sure coach [Ian] Watson will help him express himself on the pitch for the Red Devils in our quest for a top five position in Super League and I’m also very excited to see him link up with Jackson Hastings.

“As part of the deal, we also say goodbye to Rob Lui. Rob has been a superb servant for Salford and I would like to thank him for his time at the club. He can leave and be proud how he has performed in the Red Devils shirt.”

Lui could make his Leeds debut in Sunday’s game against Catalans, while Lolohea could make his Salford bow on Friday night against Wigan.

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