Tui Lolohea backs Huddersfield coach Ian Watson to be successful if he coached in the NRL

Huddersfield fullback Tui Lolohea has suggested Ian Watson would be a success if he coached in the NRL, insisting the Giants coach has 'saved' his career. Lolohea has become one of the standout players in the competition since linking up with Watson, initially at Salford and now at Huddersfield.

That is in stark contrast to his early days in Super League with Leeds Rhinos, when Lolohea failed to make an impact before switching to the Red Devils with Watson. Lolohea has spoken effusively in the past of the importance Watson has played in his career ahead of Saturday's Challenge Cup Final.

But the fullback believes that if the opportunity ever arose for Watson to coach in Australia, he has the skills and abilities to become a success. "I rate him very highly, I'd say he's the best coach I've had in my career," Lolohea told Rugby League Live.

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"I genuinely think he could do a gig in the NRL and be great. He's so clever as a coach, he invests a lot of time into the game non-stop and he's been a saviour for me personally. I can't overstate how grateful I am to him."

Lolohea spoke highly of Watson in the buildup to Saturday's final against Wigan, insisting he has had a major impact on both his own career and his life away from rugby.

"He saved me," Lolohea said. "Simple as that. He knows me better than anyone in the game really.

"We've a great relationship on the field but also off it. He's got that funny little man syndrome around training, he loves a laugh and a joke and we really connect. He's a proper rugby nerd. Especially after a loss, I think he probably doesn't sleep for two days. But he's such a great guy above all else."

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