LANCE Hohaia will revert to his role as a utility player again this term – covering several positions with his versatility meaning that he could be a useful asset off the bench.

With Saints bringing in Travis Burns from Hull KR to play number six the club have sorted their problematic half back partnership meaning that the World Cup winning Kiwi must find another niche.

Coach Keiron Cunningham spelled out the utility role for Hohaia.

“If we lose a Travis Burns, then Lance would play six and if we lose Robes he can slot in at nine.

“Alternatively he may sit on the bench and come on because he can play anywhere – full back, centre, six and nine.

“Although it is a luxury to have a player like that in your squad –it is also good to have genuine six, seven, nine and one which is what we have got now.”

The hard-working 31-year-old, who is entering the final term of a four-year contract at Langtree Park, came off the bench to replace James Roby last Sunday.

But Cunningham made it clear that he will not let Hohaia’s availability dictate what he does with Roby – who is one of the few 80 minute hookers in the competition.

“There will be times when Robes needs to be freshened up – whether that is during a game or resting him for a couple of weeks.

“Towards the back end of my career there was no way I could play 80 minutes because it is a tough place to play.

“We have got to have a plan because we don’t expect Robes to run around for 80 minutes forever and a day, but that is probably one of my headaches and duties to do it,” he said.