NRL: Hohaia leaving the Warriors

Lance Hohaia. Photo / Getty Images

Veteran New Zealand Warrior Lance Hohaia today confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the 2011 NRL season after signing a four-year contract with English Super League club St Helens.

The 28-year-old utility is now in his 10th season in the NRL, only the third player after Stacey Jones and Awen Guttenbeil to reach the milestone for the Warriors.

Hohaia told his team-mates about his decision this morning.

"It'll be sad when I do leave because this club has been such a big part of my life. I couldn't play for any other club in the NRL," he said.

"This is a great opportunity to go to St Helens and I'm really excited about it but, for now, all I want to do is give as much as I can to the Vodafone Warriors for the rest of this season."

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the club was reluctant to see Hohaia leave.

"We had an option for next year but it was too early for us to make a decision on it," he said.

"Lance asked whether he would be able to have a look around for opportunities in the meantime and the St Helens offer came up soon after.

"He's in his testimonial year with us and in view of the fantastic contribution he has made to the Vodafone Warriors we have allowed him to pursue his plans. It's a brilliant contract for him and I know everyone at the club, our members and all fans will wish him all the best."

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said while Hohaia would be leaving at the end of the season, he would continue to have a critical role in the team.

"Lance has made a great contribution to this club and has been a big part of it," he said.

"It's exciting for him having a contract like this at this stage of his career but for now I know he'll just want to keep doing all he can to help us this season. He reamins an important part of our squad."

The Waikato-born and raised made his NRL debut in 2002, played in the club's grand final against the Sydney Roosters and was also selected for the Kiwis the same year.

He made his 167th first-grade appearance in the Warriors' 24-12 win against the Roosters on Saturday night and scored his 50th career try.

- HERALD ONLINE