As the holder of both a World Cup and Four Nations winners medal, Lance Hohaia has grown accustomed to success in recent seasons.
The 28-year-old will be aiming to maintain his familiarity with silverware when he joins St Helens in time for the start of the 2012 Super League season.
With more than 160 appearances in the NRL to his name, the New Zealand international is not short of top-level experience and his signing must be considered something of a coup for Saints.
On first glimpse Hohaia can appear unremarkable. But having represented the Kiwis on no fewer than 22 occasions, there is clearly more to this 28-year-old than meets the eye.
In recent seasons Hohaia has been largely employed as fullback. However, St Helens coach Royce Simmons confirmed that the club plan to use him in the halves.
Hohaia’s utility value is probably one of the factors that drew Saints attention, particularly when considered in the context of the current St Helens squad.
Having signed a four-year deal, Hohaia is likely to play a key role in developing the club’s current crop of talented youngsters as well as helping the club through its current transitional phase.
Jonny Lomax and Lee Gaskell have shone in the halves in recent weeks but are still be considered works in progress. At the other end of the age range, fullback Paul Wellens is nearing the end of a fantastic career, although five tries in his last five appearances suggests he still has plenty to offer.
Hohaia’s intelligence and versatility is likely to see him float between several key positions. Saints have made a conscious effort in recent years to ensure that their players can slot into more than one position and Hohaia certainly tick’s that box.
With just nine rounds completed in the current season it seems odd to be looking ahead to the 2012 campaign. But the signing of Hohaia has clearly captured the imagination of St Helens supporters and added to the excitement regarding their return home in time for Super League XVII.
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