Kiwis and Warriors utility Lance Hohaia will leave the NRL at the end of the season after securing a four-year contract with English Super League club St Helens.

The 28-year-old is now in his 10th season in the NRL, only the third player after Stacey Jones and Awen Guttenbeil to reach the milestone for the Warriors.

Hohaia, the last remaining player from the 2002 team which made the club's only NRL grand final appearance, told his teammates of his decision on Tuesday.

"It'll be sad when I do leave because this club has been such a big part of my life. I couldn't play for any other club in the NRL," Hohaia said.

"This is a great opportunity to go to St Helens and I'm really excited about it but, for now, all I want to do is give as much as I can to the Warriors for the rest of this season."

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the club was reluctant to see Hohaia leave.

"We had an option for next year but it was too early for us to make a decision on it," he said.

"Lance asked whether he would be able to have a look around for opportunities in the meantime and the St Helens offer came up soon after.

"He's in his testimonial year with us and in view of the fantastic contribution he has made to the Warriors we have allowed him to pursue his plans.

"It's a brilliant contract for him and I know everyone at the club, our members and all fans will wish him all the best."

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said while Hohaia would be leaving at the end of the season, he would continue to have a key role in the team.

"Lance has made a great contribution to this club and has been a big part of it," he said.

"It's exciting for him having a contract like this at this stage of his career but for now I know he'll just want to keep doing all he can to help us this season. He remains an important part of our squad."

Hohaia made his NRL debut in 2002, played in the club's grand final against the Sydney Roosters and was also selected forthe Kiwis the same year.

He made his 167th first-grade appearance in the Warriors' 24-12 win against the Roosters last Saturday night and scored his 50th career try.

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