League: Hohaia aims to pass the acid test

Ivan Cleary. Photo / Getty Images

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is fond of saying that, when all's said and done, teams end up where they deserve to be on the NRL ladder.

Given the chances they've blown this season, it would be hard to argue the Warriors deserve to finish much above sixth, although going into this weekend's final round they could still land anywhere between fourth and seventh. Last night's match between the Dragons and Panthers will have determined if fourth spot is still on the table tonight, but the Tigers would also be required to stumble against the Sharks for the Warriors to snare an unlikely home final.

Of course, the only result the Warriors have a say in is tonight's match against a Cowboys side they can leapfrog with a victory. It's another big game for a team that has been anything but a big-game player this season.

Losses such as the opening-round choke against the Eels, the mid-season meltdown against the Tigers and recent narrow reverses to the Broncos and Dragons have hurt.

A win in any of those matches would have likely propelled them to a top-four finish. "Those are the type of games we need to be winning," veteran utility Lance Hohaia admitted.

The fact is when the acid has gone on, the Warriors have dissolved. In games decided by less than six points they are just 1-5 this season, that sole victory coming against the Storm in round seven.

The question is whether they can reverse that trend tonight against the Cowboys, and then next week in the opening round of the finals, wherever that match may be.

"We'll just have to find something I guess, another level," Hohaia said. "And I think that'll get us through."

For Hohaia, the need to find the right formula is pressing. After 10 seasons and 180 games as a Warrior, his chances of going out on a high depend on it. "It's definitely sinking in, my time at the club is coming to an end. I just want to channel that emotion in the right direction and use it to help me play well [tonight]."

St Helens-bound Hohaia isn't the only Warrior to be farewelled tonight. Aaron Heremaia, Joel Moon and Shaun Berrigan are also departing, while Cleary's long service as a player and coach will also be recognised.

Having begun his Warriors career by making the grand final in his first season in 2002, Hohaia steadfastly believes this Warriors team has what it takes to send him out the same way.

"I'm confident in my teammates and the talent in our team. We all want to achieve the same thing but we understand it's a long way off yet and there's a lot of hard work to be done before we can even think about that."

The prospect of Hohaia going out with his boots on looked shaky after a knee injury against the Bulldogs in round 19. His right knee will eventually need surgery, but for now its condition is manageable, and he's hoping the journey continues for a while yet.

"You go through every NRL side and there will be guys who are limping their way into the finals, but you seem to be able to find another leg when the finals do come up."