St Helens stand-off Lance Hohaia claims his side’s late comeback victories against Huddersfield and Castleford in the last two weeks has given them the “kick up the backside” they need ahead of Friday’s derby with Wigan Warriors.
The 31-year-old, who won the World Cup with New Zealand in 2008, said: “We’ve not been at our best in the last couple of games but that’s probably the kick up the backside we needed ahead of the big Easter period.
“Despite not being at our best, it’s been good to keep up the 100 per cent record though. It just shows the competitiveness and togetherness of the squad.
“There’s always a little bit of extra emphasis in training when we’re playing Wigan at the end of the week because of the rivalry between the two towns and the two clubs. But we try to approach it in the same way we would any other and get stuck into each other on the training field.
“I’m happy with my own form. Consistently, it’s the best I’ve played in a Saints shirt. It’s helped that I’m nailed down to one position more this year too. It was just a matter of working hard, persevering and believing in my ability.
“Our forward pack has been doing a great job for us backs and Walshy coming in at half-back to run the team has really helped too.”
