A huddle and a world cup for Hohaia
November 24th 2008 07:55
Lance Hohaia has topped off a magnificent 2008 season by winning the world cup with New Zealand on Saturday night, and to be honest, it could not have happened to a player more deserving.
The 25 year old has arguably displayed the best form of his career this year, with both the Warriors and the Kiwis benefiting immensely from his rise in confidence and skill.
Mostly touted as a halfback/five-eighth at the beginning of his career, Hohaia has had a rougher time than most to get to the level he currently sits on.
His career started off well when he made his debut in 2001 under then coach Daniel Anderson. Hohaia participated in his first grand final the following year in just his second season of first grade.
From there however, Hohaia literally went into the abyss. His form plummeted and was constantly on the fringe of Warriors selection in his lean years.
Indeed he even asked for the Warriors to release him from the final years of his contract just to re-ignite a promising career going backwards.
Many thought Hohaia would leave the Warriors, especially when Wade McKinnon came to the club and made the fullback position his own.
But how times have changed for the Hamilton born Kiwi international.
Although his start to season 2008 was not the best, Hohaia struck gold midway through the year and ignited a Warriors campaign that looked all but gone.
His performances at fullback, in place for the injured McKinnon, was one of the focal points in guiding the Warriors to the most unlikely of finals finishes this year, which saw them just fall one game short of a grand final.
Those performances have continued in the world cup for New Zealand.
Hohaia stamped his authority for the Kiwis with his dynamic showing against England in the group stages, where he assisted in all of Manu Vatuvei's four tries.
The Taniwharau junior produced again in the semi-final victory over the lions with a try and a number of assists.
But arguably his finest career showing was in the world cup final against the Kangaroos, where he cast himself from being a mere good player in the NRL, to one of the match winners.
Against the Australians, Hohaia was involved in everything the kiwis put together in defence and attack.
His cover tackle on Billy Slater early on was sublime, (even though Lockyer scored) and his successful effort to hold up dynamo Israel Folau was also evidence of Hohaia's current standing in test rugby league.
In attack, Hohaia scored a critical try early in the second half to give New Zealand the lead, while he also nearly provided Vatuvei with a four pointer with a neat cut out pass.
It was only fitting then to see Hohaia involved in the critical play that granted the Kiwis their maiden world cup.
His penalty try broke Australian backs and ended the continued dominance that has surrounded international league.
Despite the man of the match going to Darren Lockyer, the panel of selectors wanted to change their votes at fulltime when the Kiwis were crowned world champions.
Hohaia's performance may have had a lot to do with that.
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