The five-eighth played a huge role as what was technically a Tonga Invitational XIII defeated both Great Britain and Australia.

Now he is ready to get back into club action at Super League side Salford Red Devils, after missing the celebrations following international success to fly back to his Manchester home.

And coach Ian Watson believes the 24-year-old can hit even greater heights – after working against him as he was Great Britain boss Wayne Bennett’s assistant.

He said: “Tui’s been great since he came in and I’m expecting him to be better again this year.

“He’s a bit of a gem as a player. He was known when he was coming through the system in the NRL, it’s all been about building on his potential which we saw at the back end of last year.

“We just need to keep him going in the right direction.

“Tui’s a bit deceptive. He looks like he may be carrying a bit of weight but he’s right at the front in the fitness drills.

“Looks can be deceiving.”

Lolohea starts his season in England with a repeat of last year’s Grand Final against St Helens, who are now coached by Kristian Woolf, who led Tonga to their historic successes.

He will also face Konrad Hurrell, who plays at Leeds Rhinos, Warrington’s Ben Murdoch-Masila and Hull FC duo Mahe Fonua and Manu Ma’u.

Salford’s second match of the season is against Toronto Wolfpack, who have signed Sonny Bill Williams.

But after trying unsuccessfully to nullify his threat in October’s Test, which Tonga won 14-6, Watson knows Lolohea – who was gifted land in his home village of Lapaha after the Mate Ma’a reached the semi-finals of the 2017 World Cup - can cope.

He added: “Coaching against him was interesting as we had Jackson Hastings against Tui.

“We knew Tui would know what Jackson did and we spoke to Jackson as well what Tui would do and what his favourite plays are.

“But Tui came out the better as they got the win. He was outstanding against Great Britain and did really well against Australia too.

“I’m just happy he’s with us.”