League: Cafe life eases Hoffman's transition to the Warriors

Ryan Hoffman trains this week at Mt Smart. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Melbourne might consider itself the coffee capital of Australia but it's got nothing on Auckland, according to new Warriors recruit Ryan Hoffman.

The former Melbourne Storm star has been enjoying settling into life in Auckland since arriving three weeks ago and says the coffee and food are the standout features of his new home city.

"Melbourne prides itself on its coffee and food but, I tell you what, Auckland has been fantastic," Hoffman said. "I've been staying in an apartment in the city for the first couple of weeks before I move into a house in St Heliers next week, so I've been really enjoying the coffee and food around the city and at Britomart. The Espresso Workshop down there has been getting a workout so it's been great."

Hoffman's positive food experiences followed a warm, albeit coincidental, welcome into Auckland Airport, after a group of reporters noticed the big back-rower pushing his trolley through the arrivals gate. The fact the media were there to see US tennis star Venus Williams was not lost on him but he happily obliged requests for an on-the-spot chat.

"It was surprising but I knew it wasn't for me," he laughed. "I know what my status is in world sport but it just shows how into rugby league people are [here]. The reporters did notice me and wanted to have a chat so it was a nice little welcome."

The 30-year-old is now focusing on preparing for the NRL Auckland Nines and making his first appearance in Warriors colours.

"I'm just looking forward to pulling on that Warriors jersey," he said. "We've only got one other trial game this year so it will be good to get out there on the same side with the boys.

"Over the years the jersey has been worn with a lot of pride and there's a lot of history in it and the first time you pull it on, you've got to make sure that you're upholding those traditions. That's what I'm looking forward to doing."

At Warriors training, the four-time grand finalist is a dominant voice, frequently shouting instructions and encouragement to his teammates and leading the way through the fitness work and field drills.

"I've been brought here to do a role and that is, I suppose, to bring the form that made me a rep player last year into the Warriors.

"That's what they're expecting from me but also what I provide the team on and off the field, just making sure that I'm upholding those standards of what I've built over the years."

Having enjoyed 12 seasons at the Storm alongside consummate professionals such as Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Greg Inglis and Cooper Cronk, Hoffman has been impressed with the dedication and work ethic of the Warriors players.

"The intensity in our sessions, the urgency to get to the next drill has been fantastic and it's been a highlight of the preseason so far. We want that mentality to carry on into what we do during the season so that whatever is thrown up against us we're ready to combat that."

• 245 Games for Melbourne Storm
• 34 Games for Wigan
• 3 NRL premiership titles (2 stripped.)
• 5 Tests for Australia
• 11 State of Origin games with NSW