Hoffman ready for NSW call-up
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He hasn’t played State of Origin in four years, but Melbourne veteran Ryan Hoffman says he’s ready to answer the call if required for NSW.
The make-up of the Blues back-row for the series decider was left uncertain on Monday night after incumbent Glenn Stewart injured his knee in Manly’s 26-22 loss to Melbourne at Brookvale Oval.
He seems an unlikely starter for the July 4 encounter, and on the other end of the field Hoffman could not have done a better job to impress NSW coach Ricky Stuart.
“I’m always hopeful and I know I’m confident in my ability to do the job if called upon,” said Hoffman, who returned to the NRL this season after one year in Super League.
“I knew it was going to take a bit to get used to the NRL but I worked really hard in the pre-season and gave myself the best opportunity.”
He came up with two crucial defensive plays, one to deny Brett Stewart a try and another which should have denied Daly Cherry-Evans a four-pointer only for a dubious video referee decision.
It was those sorts of plays which coach Craig Bellamy said would stand him in good stead with selectors.
“If Glenn does miss out I don’t think they could find anyone better than Hoff,” Bellamy said.
” I think the last five or six weeks he’s been outstanding – he plays 80 minutes, he runs good lines, he defends well, he’s obviously experienced.”
Hoffman admitted to being a little bemused by the awarding of Cherry-Evans’ try, where it was ruled he stripped the ball from his grasp.
“It didn’t even cross my mind (that it might be a try),” Hoffman said.
“And then while they’re looking at it Smithy (skipper Cameron Smith) goes to me ‘remember Origin, they’re going to give this.’
“The precedent’s been set and at least the referees are consistent.”
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The Crowd Says (5) | Page 1 of Comments
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June 19th 2012 @ 10:49am
Mrs Lehroyd Lars said | June 19th 2012 @ 10:49am | Report comment
No thanks Bellamy, Hoff is like you great at club level but cant step up to Origin level. TLL off the bench. He goes good agst his teammate Shillington and offers more off the bench than underwhelming Merrin & Creagh. Also Hoping for a miracle that T-Rex will be fit.
June 19th 2012 @ 2:34pm
Pot Stirrer said | June 19th 2012 @ 2:34pm | Report comment
Move Lewis to the sarting line up and put Idris on the bench.
June 19th 2012 @ 8:32pm
Scott minto said | June 19th 2012 @ 8:32pm | Report comment
I think he’s too soft for origin. I want my second row players to be tough as nails and he just doesn’t fit. Plus Ricky was going for a team that could score points, he is solid but think he is a very defensive choice.
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June 20th 2012 @ 9:00am
MNIJ29 said | June 20th 2012 @ 9:00am | Report comment
Hoffman? Soft? You are joking… Right? Hoffman is the biggest hearted, toughest second rower going around, and, I’m not being bias, because I don’t go for Melbourne, but, he is a strong old bugger, and I think the Blues need a cool head somewhere in the side, whether it be in the back or anywhere else in the 17 I don’t mind, I think he fits the bill, and based on personal thoughts, I’d have him in the ahead of Glenn Stewart… Who I think is “softer” than Hoffman, just my opinion, but feel free to hold yours.
June 20th 2012 @ 12:01pm
I'mastormtrooper2 said | June 20th 2012 @ 12:01pm | Report comment
LUV THE HOFF, BUT IF HE GETS PICKED, HE’LL BE PLAYING IN A LOSING TEAM!!!