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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!

Today we get to spend all day in the Library and Lab.

Because Our Classroom Flooded Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! or Boo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don’t know if its good or bad.

So Bye

I do BMX racing, I like Rugby, I like Softball, like Touch and I like Rugby League.

I go to Te Awamutu Intermediate and I am In Room Three.

Three years after ending his record 238-game career at Mt Smart Stadium, the 32-year-old today revealed he has signed a one-year contract to resume his playing ties with the club.

Jones said an approach by Warriors coach Ivan Cleary and a taste of top-level football with the All Golds had rekindled his desire to again play for the Vodafone Warriors.

“It’s a huge decision but I’m so excited about what’s ahead,” Jones said.

“I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve had back at the Vodafone Warriors (as kicking coach).

“I’ve had a year off playing after finishing up with Les Catalans (in the English Super League) and turning out for the All Golds in England.”

Jones said contractual arrangements had prevented him giving any consideration to a playing deal before now.

“The truth is I had originally signed a new contract to play on with Les Catalans this year but it was a bit rushed. By then we’d had two great years in Perpignan and we were homesick and really keen to come back,” he said

“The club was good about it and let me go but on the condition I couldn’t play for any other club in 2008.”

His commitment to play in the New Zealand Rugby League’s farewell match to long-time Kiwi team-mate Ruben Wiki on October 12 compelled Jones to take on a training programme.

“After training to play for the All Golds in New Plymouth and playing in that game, I realised how much I had missed being out there,” he said.

Jones’ cameo appearance for the All Golds was the catalyst for Cleary to make his approach, the Warriors said.

“A few days after the match, Ivan asked me whether I’d be interested in making a return to the NRL. I said I’d think about it. Obviously I had a lot to consider and while I accept I have a lot of work to do to get back to NRL standard, I really want to give this a shot.

www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news

I think this is awesome because Stacy Jones is the man.