Wednesday 31 December 2014 20:36, UK
St Helens half-back Lance Hohaia has spoken of his regret and disappointment over his famous Grand Final clash with Ben Flower but insists he has put the incident "to bed".
Hohaia clashed with Flower in the opening minutes at Old Trafford before being punched by the Wigan prop, who then hit him again as he lay on the ground.
Flower became the first player to be sent off in a Super League title decider and was subsequently banned for six months following the incident.
Hohaia's Grand Final contribution was restricted to less than two minutes as he was taken off with concussion and he was later given a one-match ban for provoking his Wigan opponent with illegal use of his forearm.
"I was disappointed with what occurred in the Grand Final," Hohaia told his club's website. "It was a big game and we'd had a tough year. It was a chance for me to step up, lead the team around the pitch and to be the half we needed.
I spoke to the media afterwards and said once I walked off the field that was the end of the incident for me. I put it to bed then and I don't see any reason to discuss it further.
"I was disappointed I didn't get to play a bigger role but we got the trophy in the end so I was pretty happy about that.
"I spoke to the media afterwards and said once I walked off the field that was the end of the incident for me. I put it to bed then and I don't see any reason to discuss it further."
While Flower will miss the first three months of the new season due to his suspension, Hohaia will be available for the start of St Helens' title defence against Catalan Dragons on February 6 after serving his one-match ban in pre-season.
The 31-year-old former New Zealand international, who has made 73 appearances for Saints, is set for a new role in his fourth season at the club following the signing of Australian stand-off Travis Burns from Hull KR.
"I'm likely to be playing a utility role but the important thing for me at this point is to get fit and get ready for the season," he said.
"Everything else will take care of itself and I know if I play well then I will fit in the team somewhere."
