The Vodafone Warriors have today snared outstanding Melbourne Storm back rower Ryan Hoffman on a three-year contract to the end of the 2017 NRL season.
The former Kangaroo and current New South Wales State of Origin forward will become the Vodafone Warriors’ most experienced player when he joins the club at the end of the 2014 campaign.
He has played in four of the Storm’s five grand finals in the last eight seasons – 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2012 – missing the fifth in 2008 through injury.
He was a try-scorer in their 14-4 victory over Canterbury-Bankstown in 2012, the year he returned to the club after a one-season stint with Wigan in the English Super League when his team-mates included current Vodafone Warriors Sam Tomkins and Thomas Leuluai.
He was part of Wigan’s Challenge Cup triumph over St Helens that season and also returned to England in 2013 to help Melbourne beat Leeds in the World Club Challenge.
His total of 229 appearances for Melbourne is bettered by only Cameron Smith, Matt Geyer, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk; he has played more than 260 first-grade games including his 34 for the Wigan Warriors in 2011.
As well as playing five Tests for the Kangaroos he has eight Origin appearances for New South Wales including all three matches in last year’s series.
“I couldn’t be happier with the chance to move to Auckland next year,” said the 30-year-old Hoffman.
“I’ve had a terrific time with Melbourne and obviously I still have a long way to go before I finish here. That’s the immediate focus for me. I want to finish well because this club has done so much for me.
“But along with my family, I’m excited about coming to the Warriors. I’ve been really impressed with the club and the way they have gone about the process.
“I never need reminding about how good the Warriors are. I’ve played in enough Melbourne sides when we’ve finished on the wrong side including just a couple of weeks ago in our Anzac Day match.
“They’re such a tough side to play against and I really look forward to being part of the club once I get there. I’ve been fortunate to play in four grand finals so far with the Storm and I’m determined to experience more with the Warriors.”
Vodafone Warriors acting head coach Andrew McFadden and Hoffman were briefly team-mates at the Storm in 2003 and 2004 as McFadden was ending his playing career and Hoffman was starting his.
“I saw Ryan when he was just coming into the game and he really stood out as a player who would go a long way,” said McFadden.
“He’s a great professional who has performed exceptionally at the highest levels in the game and on big occasions. He knows what it takes to succeed and will bring fantastic qualities to the Vodafone Warriors.”
Vodafone Warriors general manager football Dean Bell said Hoffman’s signing ranked as one of the most significant in the club’s history.
“Ryan’s achievements, his longevity and his durability separate him as one of the game’s top players of this era,” he said.
“Everyone we’ve spoken to has the highest opinion of him, among them Sam (Tomkins) and Thomas (Leuluai) who can’t say enough about him after just one season with Wigan.”
As a specialist left-edge back rower, Hoffman stands out as one of the NRL’s most prolific try-scoring forwards with a total of 56. Only Manly’s Anthony Watmough of today’s forwards has scored more.
It’s a little-known fact Hoffman has previously lived in New Zealand. He did his intermediate school years in Wellington when he moved to the Capital with his family after his father was transferred through his work.
This time he’s transferring to New Zealand with wife Melissa and their 11-month-old son Zach.
Hoffman has a strong rugby league pedigree. His father Jay, a hooker, was a foundation Canberra Raiders player making 111 appearances from 1982-1987 and he also represented Queensland in the pre-Origin days.
RYAN HOFFMAN
Born: January 26, 1984
Birthplace: Woden Valley, Australian Capital Territory
Position: Second Row
Height: 192cm
Weight: 105kg
Junior Club: Campbelltown Collegians, NSW
Previous Clubs:
Melbourne Storm 2003-2010 & 2012-2014
Wigan Warriors 2011
NRL Debut: Melbourne v Manly, Brookvale Oval, April 20, 2003 (Round 6)
NRL Career: 229 appearances 2003-2010 & 2012-2014
NRL Points: 224 points (56 tries)
Super League Debut: Wigan v St Helens, Millennium Stadium, February 12, 2011 (Round 1)
Super League Career: 34 appearances (29 Super League, 5 Challenge Cup)
Super League Points: 44 points (11 tries)
Representative:
5 Tests for Australia 2007-2009 & 2012
8 State of Origin matches for New South Wales 2007-2008 & 2013
7 matches for City Origin 2006-2007, 2009-2010 & 2012-2014
Honours:
NRL grand final winner with Melbourne 2007 (withdrawn), 2009 (withdrawn), 2012
World Club Challenge winner with Melbourne 2013
Challenge Cup winner with Wigan 2011
