League: Recruit quick to deliver

Ryan Hoffman has made a positive impact already at the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images

Having previously enjoyed 11 years with the famously clinical Melbourne Storm, it's fair to suggest new Warriors back-rower Ryan Hoffman hasn't experienced too many afternoons like last Sunday.

Down 16-0 to Brisbane following an error-ridden first half, the Warriors turned things around after the break to draw level before fading to lose 24-16.

That mixed performance might have been Hoffman's first taste of the Warriors' fluctuating fortunes but he isn't concerned and insists he's seen it all in a career that will reach 250 NRL games tomorrow night against his former club in Melbourne.

"I've had a few of those sorts of games. It's how rugby league is these days," Hoffman said. "Where the game hasn't changed in over 110 years is if you stop the other team scoring more points than you, you're going to win. That's what we need to focus on - defending well."

That pragmatic and confident approach is a big part of why the Warriors wanted Hoffman and he has delivered in the opening month of the NRL. He scored tries in each of their first three games and has done much to turn the left edge into the Warriors' primary attacking unit.

His defensive contribution with fellow back-rowers Bodene Thompson and Simon Mannering has helped ensure no easy path through the middle for opposition forwards.

Hoffman's experience means he is held in high esteem and, whether at training or in a game, his team-mates take note when he speaks.

"It doesn't matter what the score is, Ryan's been around long enough, he knows when something needs to be addressed," said hooker Nathan Friend. "He speaks up and everyone listens and he's got a good footy head on his shoulders, so it's just good to have his experience around."

So what message was Hoffman giving his younger team-mates when struggling against the Broncos?

"Go back to what we knows works. We showed with those good wins against Canberra and Parramatta that we have a system in place that we know works. So we just needed to narrow our focus and worry about what we can control and that was how hard we run and tackle."

Playing to systems over 80 minutes isn't something for which the Warriors are renowned but it's a trait drummed into Hoffman by Storm coach Craig Bellamy.

The success of the Warriors' left-edge has plenty to do with the hours Hoffman, five-eighth Chad Townsend and centre Solomone Kata spent together during pre-season in small coned-off sections of the training paddock.

The trio could often be seen during and after team sessions working through basic plays, ensuring their communication, running lines and timing were spot-on.

"We try to do that so we're on top of things and on the same page," Hoffman said.

"I've been happy with how we've been performing and as a team on the whole. We're starting to really get some good combinations there and it's something we're looking to build on - we need to keep building each week."

While Hoffman provides the milestone focus for tomorrow's Storm clash at AAMI Park, wing Manu Vatuvei chalks up his 199th appearance, leaving him set for his 200th when the Warriors take on Wests Tigers at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.

Ryan Hoffman

• Birthdate: January 26, 1984

• Height: 1.92cm

• Weight: 105kg

• Position: Second-row

• Representative Honours: Australia 6 tests (2007-09, 2012, 2014); NSW 11 games (2007-08, 2013-14); City Origin 7 games (2006-07, 2009-10, 2012-14); PM's XIII (2014).

• Previous Clubs: Melbourne (2003-10, 2012-14); Wigan (2011).