One of the best ever to don the purple colours of the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Hoffman will retire from the NRL at season’s end.
The 34-year old veteran is a member of the illustrious 300 club with a total of 319 games over 16 seasons.
259 of those appearances have so far come with Melbourne, the rest in a small stint with the New Zealand Warriors.
By the end of the season, he will be in fourth for most games played for the Storm.
It had always been a dream for Hoffman to play rugby league and he is pleased he was able to do it for 16 years.
“I’ve been lucky to have lived out my boyhood dream and make a career out of rugby league for 16 years,” Hoffman said.
“I feel have achieved everything I can in the game and while it was hard to say the words out loud for the first time, I’m very content with the decision.
I haven’t lost of the love for the game, however, I knew my time as a player was finished and I know this is the right decision.”
Hoffman was quick to praise the Storm club for giving him opportunity and its fans for their support.
“While the success I’ve enjoyed as part of the teams I’ve played in have been great moments, for me the real highlight of my career has been the people I’ve met and the lifelong friends I’ve made,” the veteran back-rower continued.
“I’m very thankful to Melbourne Storm for giving me my first chance at and NRL club and for allowing me to explore the rugby league world with my time at Wigan and the Warriors.”
Hoffman also praised both the Warriors and Super League side Wigan Warriors – he had a stint in England – for their roles in his career.
“I’m also grateful to Wigan and Warriors for the time I spent at those clubs, as they were very important parts of my career,” Hoffman said.
“I would like to especially thanks Dave Donaghy, Frank Ponissi and Craig Bellamy in allowing me to finish my career as a Melbourne Storm player.”
Hoffman will not be lost to the Storm or the game at season’s end.
He is set to take up a role in the club’s football administration department and work closely with Football Director Frank Ponissi.
“Few players are able to retire with a resume that even come close to what Ryan has been able to accomplish,” Ponissi said.
“He is one of the greatest players to ever pull on the purple jersey and every time he has done so, he has represented our Club with distinction, class and passion.
“Ryan for a large part of his career has always shown an interest and passion in football administration and management as a potential career once his playing days came to an end.