RYAN Hoffman has always had a strong feeling about Anzac Day.

Because of the ANZAC Day clash, Hoffman has learnt a lot about his family history

The Melbourne Storm back-rower became a keen war historian after hearing about the deeds of his great-uncle during World War II.

His paternal grandmother told him the tale of her brother, who was captured by the Germans in Africa and handed to the Italians, who sent him to a PoW camp.

He escaped and after traversing the Swiss Alps, a trip that cost him his leg, found freedom in Switzerland before eventually making it home to Australia.

Hoffman had another reminder of his family's Anzac link through a photo of his great-uncle Bill, his mother's uncle, who was in the air force.

The image is a war-time classic of the Diggers playing cricket at an airstrip in Papua New Guinea.

Even more significantly, Hoffman still has the bats they used in that game, given to him as a birthday present when he was younger.

With his family ties to Australia's war-time history, Anzac Day has always been a special occasion for the 25-year-old.

But it wasn't until he made a phone call to his grandmother this week that he uncovered just how involved his family was.

It emerged that his great grandfather was one of the last Australians wounded at Gallipoli, shot on the day troops pulled out.

He also led the Anzac Day march near Charters Towers in Queensland for decades.

Three brothers of Hoffman's grandmother also fought in World War II - with one lying about his age to enlist when he heard one of the siblings had been captured. He then celebrated his 21st birthday on the Kokoda Track.

The new history lesson come at an appropriate time, with Hoffman set to be front and square in Storm's Anzac Day clash against the New Zealand Warriors at Olympic Park tomorrow.

Already primed for a big game with so much to play for, Hoffman said the match, and Anzac Day, had become even more significant.

"I didn't know about my great-grandfather being at Gallipoli until this week," he said. "It was because my grandmother never liked talking about (the) war.

"She told me her brothers were never the same when they came back.

"But she is going to send me down a heap of documents on my great-grandfather and his service so I can learn more.

"It's always been a special day.

"Last year I went to the dawn service, and I have for a few years before.

"Anzac Day is a very special day for everyone in Australia. But now, just knowing that you have had some connection . . . it gives you a special feeling.

"I think it is significant to everyone, whether you are an Aussie or a Kiwi, and that's why I think it is going to be special playing on what is one of Australia's greatest days.

"But everyone knows the deep meaning of the day and I think everyone will build on that for a big performance."

Storm officials have had an Anzac Medal struck to be awarded to the best player and decided by the winning captain.

The club hopes to make the Warriors clash an annual Anzac Day affair.