Former St Helens halfback Lance Hohaia returns to rugby league in surprising role

Former St Helens playmaker Lance Hohaia has returned to rugby league in a coaching capacity.

The 38-year-old played for Saints for over three seasons between 2012 and 2015, but was forced to retire in April 2015 due to recurring issues with concussion.

Of course, Hohaia will largely be remembered for being knocked unconscious by former Wigan Warriors forward Ben Flower in the opening minutes of the 2014 Super League Grand Final.

And, unfortunately, the diminutive figure never recovered from the effects and had to hang up his boots just months after the incident.

Hohaia, however, has taken on a new coaching role with the Aquinas College in Michigan after making the move from Down Under to the United States.

In total, the former Saints star played 81 times for the Lancashire club, scoring 22 tries and kicking one drop-goal after ten seasons at the New Zealand Warriors.

In 2008, Hohaia was a member of the New Zealand side that won the Rugby League World Cup, with 28 caps for the Kiwis under his belt at the time of retirement.

He also played twice for the Exiles in a new competition based on the best overseas stars in Super League taking on England.