New Zealand Warriors great Lance Hohaia has retired from the game with immediate effect due to ongoing concussion problems.

It comes on the back of the infamous Ben Flower punch in last year’s Super League Grand Final where a defenseless Hohaia was punched in the face while on his back.

St. Helens released a short statement on the retirement.

“ST.HELENS announce that Lance Hohaia has informed us of his retirement from rugby league and will therefore not play for the Club again” the statement reads.

“Lance has been a valued and integral member of the squad for the last three-and-a-half years and we thank him for his service.

“We wish him and his family well in their life after rugby league with St Helens.

“St Helens will make no further comment on this matter.”

Hohaia appeared in NRL grand finals for the Warriors in an 185 game career and played fullback for the 2008 World Cup winning Kiwi team.