Why Craig Bellamy signed Ryan Hoffman

It's not the first time that Melbourne Storm veteran back-rower Ryan Hoffman has left the club for stints elsewhere.

His England stint in 2011 with the Wigan Warriors and then his well-documented three years with the struggling New Zealand Warriors.

The experienced second-rower was forced out of the New Zealand Warriors after Stephen Kearney saw no value in him for next year and it seems as though 2018 will be the last for Hoffman, with the veteran likely to hang up the boots at season's end.

What does the soon-to-be 34-year old bring to the premiership-winning club?

There are several reasons why master coach Craig Bellamy signed Ryan Hoffman for next year. He's a leader on and off the field, and he has valuable representative and club experience, playing over 300 first grade games. He's also inline for a coaching gig at the club after he retires.

How does Craig Bellamy plan to utilize the veteran's experience?

Hoffman will be a mentor for the Melbourne Storm's, up and coming players. Considering his time with the club, Hoffman knows what's expected around the Victorian club and no doubt that he will have a significant influence on players such as: Brodie Croft, Felise Kaufusi, Cameron Munster, and a number of player's in the NRL and second-tier cap team.

Although most Melbourne Storm players perform at an exceptional standard for Bellamy, not all have been taught how to be a leader, and how to lead a team from the front.

Hoffman, alongside Cameron Smith and Billy Slater, will revolutionise the next generation of Melbourne Storm players, for the better. It's not s stretch to say that Melbourne Storm is one of the most successful clubs in Australia on and off the field.

"Ryan Hoffman is going to add some much-needed experience and leadership to the squad," Bellamy said about the signing.

"Having lost three forwards from our grand final team in Jordan McLean, Tohu Harris and Slade Griffin, we believe Hoffman is a valuable inclusion that will help offset the departure of that trio.

"Along with a host of current Storm players, Ryan will be pressing hard for a position in our starting 17."

The benefits are endless with Ryan Hoffman, and I believe it is one of the most influential buys for season 2018.

Hoffman played 245 games for the Melbourne Storm, scoring 59 tries, two in the 09' and 12' Grand Finals.

He's played a dozen matches for NSW, and half a dozen for Australia. Melbourne can only benefit from the 34-year old, who signed a one-year contract for next year.