WiganWarriorsFans.com

The Warriors have signed Melbourne Storm veteran second rower Ryan Hoffman for next year's NRL season, according to an Australian media report.

The 30-year-old State of Origin and five-Test Kangaroo has signed a "massive deal" to play out his career over three seasons, according to Rugby League Week.

Hoffman informed his teammates of the decision on Wednesday afternoon.

The Warriors could not be contacted to confirm the signing.

https://nz.sports.yahoo.com/league/news ... n-report/?

Hi guys there is very little known in NZ about Hoffmans time at the Warriors.

Some input from Wigan fans would be really useful in the NZWARRIORS.com recruitment site on Ryans Wigan time.

That Aside I'd be interested to hear people who don't have an NZ Login or even the inclination to go over there.....was he any good for Wigan ?

Top player.

He was outstanding for Wigan in the short time he was at the club.

We would have had him back in a heartbeat.

East Stand Faithful wrote:Top player.

He was outstanding for Wigan in the short time he was at the club.

We would have had him back in a heartbeat.

Still is and agree with you in regard to having him back here.

MT Smart wrote:Hi guys there is very little known in NZ about Hoffmans time at the Warriors.

Some input from Wigan fans would be really useful in the NZWARRIORS.com recruitment site on Ryans Wigan time.

That Aside I'd be interested to hear people who don't have an NZ Login or even the inclination to go over there.....was he any good for Wigan ?

He was great. Everyone was sad to see him go and would have retained him. I personally think he helped some of our younger second rowers come through, in particular Liam Farrell who is in his mould I would say.

Top pro; Top player. Not convinced the Warriors is the best fit for either club or player.

Fan Favourite over here and with good reason never had a bad game for us, model pro

Hi praise indeed reading the universal positive rating of Hoffman. There is some anxiety's around his age (30) and drop off in form this season so far.

cpwigan wrote:Top pro; Top player. Not convinced the Warriors is the best fit for either club or player.

Are you thinking the Warriors ad lib style won't suit club and player cp ?
Interesting we are chasing Steve Matai and Isaac Luke is a target of interest. That shopping list is a move away from the unstructured Warrior mentality...it will be interesting to see how it works out.

His age is no great issue IMO. He is a top pro in terms of how he looks after himself. I think he is far less dynamic than he was in his first Storm spell and his early career (most players are).

I do look at the Warriors having Hoffman and Mannering and think almost identical in many respects. I also think the Warriors need to maintain / retain their 'ad lib' nature and somehow retain the likes of Matteo and Mattelino (not sure if he is better at prop or second row) and other similar players.

The way the games being officiated IMO promotes dynamic play in NRL and I think teams like the Tigers have shown you can play exciting RL and still win. To me, the Warriors have the most dynamic half in the NRL in Johnson and Tomkins can dovetail that exciting RL. I think players like Johnson and Tomkins need some offloading / busting capability in the forwards. Mannering and Hoffman are not that IMO. I guess much depends who you put with them and if you retain the dynamic philosophy of the Warriors.

Some interesting reading about the like for like with Manneirng and Hoffman.

Hoffman and the proposed two further signings will put some pressure on the Warriors cap space ( hasn't been a problem for years....our inability to sign people has meant we're always well under the cap ).

Some exciting Juniors will be vulnerable to getting poached, after Locke breaking the ice on the ESL....it's going to be interesting to see where the approaches come from.

Salford are well informed about the Warriors Juniors...they have been quietly keeping tabs on Secound row prospect Raymond Faitala Mariner.....Sonny Bill clone....not as tall...same skill set at the same age as Williams.....off contract next season....it's these kinds of guys that will be increasingly hard for the Warriors to protect.