Lance Hohaia Gets King Hit in Brutal Super League Grand Final

Wigan prop Ben Flower faces a lengthy ban from league for his brutal attack on Kiwi Lance Hohaia in the final at Old Trafford yesterday. Kiwi league player Lance Hohaia was being monitored overnight as he recovered from a brutal act of on-field violence in his St Helens side's 14-6 Super League final win over Wigan. The 31-year-old former Warriors and Kiwis utility was punched to the ground by Wigan prop Ben Flower in just the second minute of play yesterday, before the Welshman kneeled over him and followed up with a second blow direct to the face.

Flower was sent off immediately, leaving his side a man down for the remaining 78 minutes, while Hohaia was unable to take any further part in the match.

Lance's father, Rex Hohaia, was watching the game with his wife Jennifer at their home in Huntly.

"I wouldn't say he's okay, obviously they'll have to monitor him tonight," he said.

"I did talk to him after the game and he did sound reasonably chirpy again. Obviously when you win a premiership it tends to make you chirpy and happy no matter what physical pain you're suffering. He's indicated to me that he's okay but he's 12,000 miles away so okay could mean anything. Obviously as a parent you're concerned and being this far away there's not a hell of a lot you can do. You just sort of have a sick feeling inside.

"I have spoken to him and I did see him on the screen and he seemed to be smiling with a broken nose or swollen face but other than that I don't want to say too much because it might pre-empt what might happen."

Younger son Royce was at the match at Manchester's Old Trafford, and quickly rushed from his seat to check on Lance as he received medical attention in the changing sheds.

"I did know he wasn't coming back on [to the field] because Royce had been down to the changing rooms. He shot down to see Lance."

The phone had been ringing hot with friends and family members calling to check on Lance's condition.

"I've had a few people call and ask after his health and I've told them he's as okay as you can be in these situations. I mean, people can die from one punch. I know the Mad Butcher quite well and he rings up, saying "what's going on, mate?" and I told him "he's not coming back on, Butch".

Rex Hohaia was pleased to see his son achieve premiership success after missed chances with the Warriors in their grand final appearances in 2002 and 2011.

"We were hoping third time lucky, that he'd pull it off, because he had already played in two grand finals back over here. He picked up a World Cup winner's medal [2008] so now he's got the grand final ring. I'm not sure how much it's worth but it looks pretty valuable."

Wigan Warriors coach Shaun Wane refused to defend Flower for the sickening attack.

The prop can expect a lengthy ban from the Rugby Football League for his assault, and Wane confirmed that he would be facing internal sanctions as well.

"I'm not going to try to [defend him]," Wane said.

"He deserved to go. I've had a chat to him, he's devastated. He's made an error today, a huge error."

NZ Herald