Melbourne Storm veteran Ryan Hoffman will try to beat the odds to play again but says he's had a charmed career injury-wise.
Scans on Tuesday revealed the 34-year-old second-rower ruptured his hamstring in the final minutes of their loss to Cronulla on Sunday, with the injury usually meaning an eight-week recovery time.
Given Hoffman had already announced his retirement at the end of the season, his NRL career may be over after 324 matches.
The popular Hoffman said he had been swamped with messages of support since the injury.
"I have been innundated with msgs (sic) which shows the phenomenal support and care of the rugby league community," he wrote on Instagram.
"The situation is not ideal and I would have rather played my remaining games injury free but alas it wasn't to be."
Hoffman has played 267 games for Melbourne - the fourth most in Storm history behind Cameron Smith (378), Billy Slater (314) and Cooper Cronk (323).
He started his NRL career with Melbourne in 2003 and returned to the club this season for the third time after stints with Super League club Wigan and the Warriors, where he played 60 NRL games.
Hoffman said while many supporters said the injury was unfair, he didn't feel that was the case.
"Many have said it's unfair but in reality I have had a pretty charmed career injury-wise, certainly compared to others," he wrote.
The Storm expect Hoffman to do all he can in rehabilitation to return should the Storm reach the grand final on September 30, with three games remaining in the regular season.
Storm football director Frank Ponissi said he felt Hoffman was determined to pull on the purple jersey again.
"Whilst it will be difficult for Hoffy to return before the end of the season, we have no doubt he will do everything in his power to make that a possibility," Ponissi said.
"Hoffy has shown nothing but class and professionalism throughout his 16 years at the highest level and there is no reason why this final month or so will be any different."
