Cole’s Blog

Warriors utility Lance Hohaia looks set to earn the tag of ‘unluckiest man in the NRL’ this season.

With the return of fullback Wade McKinnon, Hohaia is resigned to the fact that he will be back in the role of ‘fill in man’ for the Warriors in 2009.

The 25-year-old was arguably the Warriors’ best player last season, dominating the fullback spot after McKinnon’s season was ended with a pre-season knee injury.

Hohaia was an integral part of the club’s finals run which saw the Warriors within one game of the Grand Final.

He then went on to take honours as first choice custodian for the World Cup winning Kiwis.

But coach Ivan Cleary has been straight in letting Hohaia know McKinnon is still his number one pick.

Hohaia would likely make the starting line-up in almost every other side in the NRL but isn’t feeling sorry for himself with the knowledge he’ll start from the bench.

“Wade’s the fullback. He’s the first choice for the club and I kinda knew that anyway,” Hohaia told TVNZ.co.nz.

“I’m just happy to be in the side. Coach knows I’m willing to play anywhere in the team.

“Things can change year to year. I didn’t think I’d be playing fullback last year and for the Kiwis so at this stage I’ll just concentrate on whatever position I have to play.”

Perhaps the biggest hurdle to holding down a starting spot throughout Hohaia’s career has been simply that he is too versatile.

He looks at home anywhere on the field – fullback, hooker, halfback, five-eighth, centre, winger – he’s done it all.

Heck, he’d probably even give prop a good go!

His utility skills mean he’s a coach’s dream to have waiting in the wings. If ever there’s an injury or positional shuffle Hohaia can slot right in.

So barring an injury, Warriors fans are unlikely to see little Lance back in a starting role – but he will play a big part in the 2009 season.

Underrated that’s for sure but Hohaia is content as long as his team is winning.

With the regular season looming, the new-look New Zealand side looks one of the best in the NRL.

On paper at least.

The most interesting story will be a fresh halves combination and even Hohaia is excited to see what happens in the critical six and seven jerseys.

“I’m not to sure who’s gonna be playing in the halves myself.

“Ivan’s keeping it a secret and I guess it’ll be revealed next week.”

The Warriors host the Parramatta Eels at Mt Smart Stadium in their season opener on March 14.

http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-league-news/lance-hohaia-nrls-unluckiest-man-2521381

I think this is horrible!