Episode 11: Former Kiwi Star Lance Hohaia Joins The Pack + NRL Magic Round, Super League & Women's State of Origin

Former New Zealand rugby league star Lance Hohaia joins Episode 11 of the Rugby League Rat Pack for an in-depth conversation about his legendary career, the growth of rugby league in America, the Warriors, playing in Grand Finals, Super League, and much more. Lance shares stories from his rugby league journey, representing New Zealand in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, battling through multiple ACL surgeries, and competing against some of the toughest players in the game. Bobo, Niuy, Vassey, Captain America & Duck Arse also recap Magic Round in the NRL, break down Warriors vs Broncos, dive into Super League results, discuss the Women’s State of Origin, John Cartwright's new coaching opportunity and glorious news of the Bradford Bulls and Leigh Leopards heading to Las Vegas in 2027. Plus, the Most Valuable Preston awarded to Cooper Clark and a surprise appearance from Dangerous Dave Baxendale! Follow the podcast here and subscribe on YouTube for weekly rugby league coverage, NRL analysis, Super League discussion, interviews and international rugby league news: https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1 Chapters: 00:00 Surprise Guest Reveal 00:33 Dangerous Dave Baxendale 02:50 Rat Pack Introductions 06:24 Lance Hohaia joins the Pack 06:44 Lance’s Rugby League Journey 16:58 Rugby League vs Rugby Union 20:20 Growing Rugby League in USA 23:21 How Lance made it to the Warriors 33:34 Playing in Two Grand Finals 41:35 New Zealand & 2008 Rugby League World Cup stories 44:39 Overcoming multiple ACL surgeries 46:59 Players who play in Super League after the NRL 49:00 Lance's Favorite teammates 50:51 Lance's Toughest opponent 54:32 NRL Magic Round Recap 1:00:02 Super League Round Up 1:01:39 John Cartwright Coaching News 1:02:14 Bobo’s Breakdown: Warriors vs Broncos 1:06:59 Most Valuable Preston Award – Cooper Clark 1:13:53 Women’s State of Origin Recap 1:15:39 Bradford Bulls & Leigh Leopards to Las Vegas 1:20:00 Magic Weekend in Las Vegas Discussion FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RugbyLeagueRatpack Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/ X - https://x.com/RL_RatPack Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0nJyI77D5c6QyhlB95YHuA?si=215e4993c1a44898 Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rugby-league-rat-pack/id1885437483