Hohaia’s versatility helping St Helens find form again

St Helens utility player Lance Hohaia is having to show some real flexibility this season, in terms of the position he plays.

The Saints have been hit hard with injury during this campaign, and Hohaia has turned out in a range of positions, most recently at full-back.

But the former Kiwi international is determined to help his coach as much as he can, and play wherever is needed, while the injuries continue to mount up at the club.

“That’s part of our game, injuries, and you just have to deal with them when it happens,” said Hohaia.

“We’ve got a really good squad. It’s always disappointing losing guys of the quality that we have.

“I think Mark Percival has been playing outstanding the last few years, Atelea Vea has been an excellent signing for us, he’s on fire.

“Joe Greenwood and even yougn Matty Dawson who came into the side and did quite well, has done something serious as well.

“It is disappointing, but it was good to have Luke back. He’s our little general, and on the back of the way he played last year, we’re stoked to have him back on the field.”

Although more accustomed to turning out at hooker this season, Hoihaia was able to slot in convincingly at full-back for the weekend win at Huddersfield.

“Obviously I’ve played there in the past, and Keiron Cunningham wanted me to do a job there for him on the weekend,” he said.

“Moving forward, I may or may not stay there, it depends on injuries, suspensions and form, I guess, over the next few months.

“All I can do is keep trying to train as well as I can, and play well when I get the opportunity to play.

“Whatever position that may be. It’s a little difficult sometimes changing positions and adjusting to the different skill sets of each position.

“But I’ve done it before in my career. If that’s what he wants me to do then that#s the job I’m prepared to do for the team.”

As for that 11-8 win over the Giants, Hohaia was relieved that the Saints managed to secure the victory, in a game which was perhaps not that memorable.

“I don’t think it was a pretty win, but we’ll take the two points,” he said.

“It was fairly disjointed at times, I think. We had Travis Burns, Luke Walsh and Jon Wilkin back in the side, after missing the Easter fixtures.

“I think our cohesion and team confidence will definitely start building again, having those guys back.

“With them playing together regularly over the next few weeks and months, we’ll improve as a team.

“We’ll start to build our confidence again.”