Lance Hohaia has spoken of his regret and disappointment over his Super League grand final clash with Ben Flower but insists he has put the incident to bed.
Flower, the Wigan and Wales forward, became the first player to be sent off in a Super League decider and was subsequently banned for six months for striking the St Helens half twice on the head in the opening minutes of October’s Old Trafford showpiece.
Former NRL player Hohaia’s grand final contribution was restricted to less than two minutes as he was taken off with concussion and he was later given a one-match ban for provoking his Wigan opponent with illegal use of his forearm but went on to collect a winners’ ring.
“I was disappointed with what occurred in the grand final,” Hohaia told his club’s website wwwsaintsrlfc.com.
“It was a big game and we’d had a tough year. It was a chance for me to step up, lead the team around the pitch and to be the half we needed.
“I was disappointed I didn’t get to play a bigger role but we got the trophy in the end so I was pretty happy about that.
“I spoke to the media afterwards and said once I walked off the field that was the end of the incident for me. I put it to bed then and I don’t see any reason to discuss it further.”
While Flower will miss the first three months of the new season due to his suspension, Hohaia will be available for the start of St Helens’ title defence against Catalan Dragons on February 6 after serving his one-match ban in pre-season.
The 31-year-old former New Zealand international, who has made 73 appearances for Saints, is set for a new role in his fourth season at the club following the signing of Australian five-eighth Travis Burns from Hull KR.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Remember the Inglis fiasco? And Petero. And Bennett leaving in the first place. I reckon you could make a top 4 side from the players that have left the Broncos in the last few years.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Yeah, The Broncos recruitment in the last 6 years has left ALOT to be desired. I actually am hoping Kodi or even Jayden gets a chance at FB sorry JH. Although I'm sure you are thereabouts in Bennett's equations.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I tell yer, I'd take one Teo over 2 Taumalolos 7 days of the week. One of the worst own goals the Broncos have committed in my opinion, what the bollocks was going on there. On the Brisbane backrow thing: I once talked to (both) my mates about always wanting to have played fullback as I think it would have suited my perceived skill set... ...I then noticed that night I had a missed call on my phone... Might have been the Broncos?
Jay C
Roar Guru
woah hold on there. Not in place of Josh. Just in addition too. Over JT, who would admittedly be a walk up start to the Broncos back row but I don't think we would get as much value out of. What with the 20 something back rowers already on deck. I also think players should play back row until at least 24 before moving up front. A la Petero.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Really? As a Broncos fan you'd be interested in Merrin? I would have thought Josh Maguire was quite a similar player? If he lost a bit of timber around his backside and chin, I reckon he could be a real powerhouse. Not that his Other Half seems to bloody mind, bugger it.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Again I reckon it comes down to team dynamics. The Cowboys wouldn't be interested in a swap with Hannant, Scott and Tamou already on deck, whereas the Broncos would snap Merrin up I should think. (Hint hint Bennett)
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Well, for what it's worth, I'd take Merrin. At least until JT gets more consistency and defensive focus into his game. Because at the moment their attacking games almost cancel each other out, whereas you probably can't say the same about their defense. But yes, JT is enjoyable to watch for sure.
Muzz
Guest
It's a hard one JH.I like big motors.This gives you basically a free interchange and a little more flexibility with your bench.Your either genetically built to run marathons or your not.Jason's actually doing himself no favours with all that extra muscle he has if he wants to play big minutes but as a impact player/game changer, it's no issue. On the other hand though, Jason excites me.When he gets the ball, i slide forward on my seat.He has imo an aura that's special and the potential to be out of this world top shelf brilliant. Both were rumoured to be on the Roosters shopping list so i was just toying around with the idea of who i'd want and the best fit for the current and beyond 2015 roster. I still can't split em.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
In my opinion, the slight overrall advantage JT has in terms of attacking speed, aggression and footwork is outweighed by Merrins slightly larger advantage in his defensive capability, his motor and his consistency. That's in a vacuum though, not taking into account the dynamics of the teams that 1) currently surround them and 2) that these be theoretically joining. I really wish Merrin would get himself in shape, he could be up there with Fifita if he did. He owes it to himself and the fans that spend their hard earned to watch him play. Disappointing. Theoretically is another along these lines. What's your take Muzz? And why do you ask?
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Same here.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
He was actually in my 2014 front row, along with Bromwich.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Maybe he doesn't hang out in skank bars where this kind of thing is acceptable?
pjm
Roar Rookie
These women have the power to send you to jail, their word trumps the mans word.
pjm
Roar Rookie
I don't think you know many women Parrafan, they get felt up 10 times a night minimum. Unless you just know the ugly ones.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Those 3, with James Graham and Matt Scott up front, Kieran Foran and Ben Hunt in the halves, Moylan at FB and you can just fill the rest with competent youth.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Parker works the Salt N Pepa.
Jay C
Roar Guru
But he never throws a bad one. That's what I like about him.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Is Sam Burgess available in this hypothetical scenario? If so I would take a back row of Sam, SBW and Parker.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Tommy on potential. Merrin because quality props are rare as hens teeth. Both will probably be overpaid. I personally think the Roosters are going to have to have a bit of a reshuffle. Like you said they are paying unders across the park due to excellent recruitment but that can't last. Contracts only go for so long and I suspect there will need to be some massive upgrades in the near future. Plus uncle Gus can't pay Jennings salary forever.
Muzz
Guest
I was thinking who'd be a good fit now that Sonny Bro's gone.Also curious to see how others compared them. I'd say Moa will feature more in regards to 2nd phase play.The mathematical aspect of winning games is killing the art of offloading.JWH was quite handy.He now counters the penalties he concedes with very few errors and that means very few offloads. I can't decide between the 2 of them to be honest.Merrin can slot straight in and do the job and more, however Lolo has the potential to be anything.