LANCE Hohaia has no doubt Saints will regain the form that has eluded them so far this season.
The 28-year-old utility back says they’ve been unlucky at times over the last few weeks but they haven’t played anywhere near as well as he expects.
“We’ve played well in parts over our last three games but I don’t think our form has been great all year,” he said. “We didn’t play well in our trial game either. Perhaps there are a few doubts after the Grand Final? Five losses in five years can be tough to get over mentally.
“Huddersfield was a tough game and it won’t get easier this week. We were off our best and we know we have 20 odd games to fix that up. We are training very hard.
“In the end they handled the pressure better than we did; Danny Brough took hold of the game late on and we needed to do that. The onus is on everyone in the team to take ownership of that. We had a huge lead against Catalans and defensively we let it go. That’s one area we can do better.
“One thing I have noticed about St Helens is that we are expected to win every week – and that’s a pressure everyone has – and rightly so. We have a great squad here. We are only five games into the season but we know we need to string some performances together.
“Yes, we’ve lost by one or two points, and they have been close games… but that makes no difference. You’re not going to win games if you leak 34 points.”
Lance agreed a four-year deal to join the Saints after a successful career at New Zealand Warriors.
He signed as a half-back but hasn’t had much chance to show the fans what he can do in that position.
“It’s going well on and off the field for me and I’m reasonably happy with my form. I have spoken to Royce and he wants to play me in the halves but we have other guys who are going well and I need to do what’s best for the team.
“Over the next few weeks that will be me playing at hooker. In the end I’ve been in the 17 each week and I’m happy.
“When I fired signed I watched a lot of games so I well aware of the calibre of talent here with Lee Gaskell, Jonny Lomax and Gary Wheeler as well as the outside backs like Tommy Makinson. They are all pushing for places and it’s good for competition and no different from what I am used to. That is what pro sports is all about.
“I’m here for four years and what happens in the future depends on all sorts of factors. I am patient and know I need to be confident and play well. At this stage I am happy to play hooker, standoff, wherever. As long as I am in the team I’m happy. We have a very professional team and a great facility so I am looking forward to my time here.”
Off the field Lance is expecting another arrival soon – his partner is pregnant.
“I’ll be a dad I three months, it’s my first child and all adds to the challenge. I’ve come here; we’re having a baby and experiencing a whole new culture. The baby will have a Kiwi Dad, American Mum and will be born in Britain!”
