Lance Hohaia's NRL career threatened to end with a whimper, but the Warriors utility ensured he went down fighting.

With his side trailing Wests Tigers 20-12 with just under 15 minutes remaining in Friday night's semi-final, Hohaia darted over from dummy half to ensure a grandstand finish at the Sydney Football Stadium.

It wasn't the most spectacular play, but crucial nonetheless, a five-metre run which breathed life into a Warriors side that never really looked like toppling the Tigers.

It was all the life they needed as centre Krisnan Inu stole the headlines with his match-winning effort three minutes from time, Hohaia's NRL career to run at least one more game before he heads to St Helens in 2012.

That he was even playing on Friday night was a testament to Hohaia's fighting qualities, given his spot in the side had been placed in jeopardy not once but twice.

An untimely knee injury cost him his start at fullback when Kevin Locke took his chance in the No.1 jersey, and he was forced to bide his time in NSW Cup waiting for an opportunity.

He returned via the bench to play a role in the Warriors' run to the finals, but cometh the moment, coach Ivan Cleary threw him back into the starting line-up at hooker.

Hohaia was busy as the Warriors battled against a Tigers juggernaut in the first half, but as they worked their way back into the game in the second half, Hohaia was back in the thick of it.

"He's just doing a great job for us there," backrower Feleti Mateo said of Hohaia.

"He played hooker tonight but he slots in anywhere, we'll miss him when he's gone for sure."

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