Melbourne Storm forward Ryan Hoffman has been nominated for the 2014 Women in League Favourite Son Award.
Ryan Hoffman has been around rugby league since he was a child with his father Jay playing professionally with Canberra during the 1980's. Having proudly represented Storm on and off the field over the past 10 years, Hoffman's time and generosity for young and old fans alike makes him one of the game's great role models.
Vote for Ryan Hoffman in the 2014 Women in League Favourite Son Award here.
In 2013, Hoffman became a father for the first time when son Zach was born in May.
Acutely aware of the responsibilities of a professional rugby league player, Hoffman, through his conduct, provides a great example for aspiring juniors. The 30-year old has contributed greatly to grassroots rugby league in Victoria during his time with Melbourne Storm by way of junior club clinics, fan days and club appearances.
Hoffman's true sportsmanship was on display following Melbourne's 2013 World Club Challenge victory. During Storm's post-game celebrations after defeating Leeds 18-14, Hoffman handed his winner's medal over to a young Rhinos fan, receiving plaudits across Australia and the United Kingdom for this act. The impression left by Hoffman drives many fans and members to regularly write into the club and NRL about their experience and interaction with him.
On the field, Hoffman's performances have been at a consistently high level over a number of years since his first-grade debut in 2003. In 2013, the second-rower became just the fifth Melbourne Storm player to play 200 games, adding to a long list of accolades that includes life membership at the club and representative appearances for both New South Wales and Australia.
The Women in League Favourite Son Award recognises the contribution of an NRL player at Premiership level who embodies the values and qualities of a true rugby league ambassador, both on and off the field.
Chosen by the women who love the game, the Favourite Son Award acknowledges a player who acts as a role model for mothers and families; someone who continues to impress us on the field, however their off-field characteristics embody what it is we love about rugby league.
The recipient is a player whose integrity and reputation make the game more appealing to women; someone who encourages mothers to involve their families in rugby league.
PAST WINNERS
- 2009 - Hazem El Masri (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
- 2010 - Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels)
- 2011 - Petero Civoniceva (Penrith Panthers)
- 2012 - Luke Burt (Parramatta Eels)
- 2013 - Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters)
