Hoffman aiming to be first Warrior for NSW

Having helped NSW win the State of Origin series last year, backrower Ryan Hoffman is eager to be part of the Blues' defence.

Ryan Hoffman was a standout when New South Wales broke their State of Origin drought last year.

The former Melbourne and now Warriors backrower would dearly love to be there when the Blues begin their defence of the trophy in a fortnight.

"I've loved every game I've played for NSW," he said.

"And I would love to get back there again to help to retain the shield. It was a special moment to be part of the winning team."

Hoffman started all three matches last year as the Blues snapped Queensland's eight-year winning run with a 2-1 series success.

He and fullback Jarryd Hayne, now pursing a career in the NFL, went on to be joint recipients of the Brad Fittler Medal as NSW's players of the 2014 series.

If Hoffman's name is included when the Blues selectors name their squad for game one after this weekend's NRL round, he will become the first Warrior to play Origin for NSW.

"There's another round to go and they have a few big decisions to make," Hoffman said.

"But if I'm called upon, I'm very confident I can do the job."

The 31-year-old has been in eye-catching form in his first season for the Warriors.

He scored a try in each of his first three matches and last weekend, against Cronulla, it was his charge-down at the death that led to Shaun Johnson's spectacular match-winning try.

Hoffman said he wasn't a fan of the charge-down, believing it was a low percentage play, but with time running out, he had to do something.

"To be quite honest, I just got in the way of the kick," he said.

"Shauny was the one who stepped through the team twice to score the try. It took a very special effort, but as a team we didn't deserve to lose that game."


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Source: AAP


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