Rush praises Hohaia impact

Mike Rush pointed to the experience of Lance Hohaia as a factor in St Helens‘ impressive 46-6 win over Leeds.

Following the sacking of Royce Simmons last week, St Helens returned to form in some style, blowing away the Rhinos to gain some revenge for last season’s Super League Grand Final defeat.

Acting Head Coach Rush tinkered with the line-up, playing New Zealand international Hohaia at stand-off from the start, and he was suitably rewarded for that move, with the Kiwi picking up the man of the match award in front of the SKY cameras.

Rush told the club’s official website: “We tinkered with a few things and bringing Lance (Hohaia) in at half made a bit of a difference. Having someone older and wiser was a good thing and he was outstanding, as was Lee Gaskell who played in the 20s.

“They (the players) understood where we were and what position we were in. I think they have taken a long hard look at themselves, and that is what the Chairman, Board and the fans, who were fantastic, expect.”

The win curbed a run of five games without one for Saints, who travel to league leaders Warrington on Friday.