Wigan head the chase for Hoffman

Reports down under suggest Super League champions Wigan are favourites to sign New Zealand Warriors forward Ryan Hoffman if he returns to England for the 2018 season.

Hoffman was informed by Warriors coach Stephen Kearney that he would be replaced as captain by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and was then given a double blow with the news that his services were no longer required for next season.

He has since stated that he wishes to carry on playing next year and hasn’t ruled out a return to Super League where he played one season for Wigan in 2011, winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley as the Warriors beat Leeds.

On playing next year Hoffman stated: “I’ve got options open. I’m not ready to finish playing rugby league, I still think I’ve got quite a bit to offer so I’m keen to play on next season.

The State of Origin star is said to have enjoyed his time in England’s North West and with players such as the Tomkins brothers and Thomas Leuluai, who were in the Wigan side back in 2011 at the DW Stadium now, the Warriors have a clear advantage in seeking his signature.

Another Club said to be alerted by his availability are the Warrington Wolves, but with Joe Greenwood seemingly NRL bound next year, Hoffman would be an ideal short term replacement for Wigan’s local rivals St Helens.

Settling back into the North West wouldn’t seemingly be a problem for the 33-year-old and he could cover the void left by Greenwood’s departure in the short term.

Hoffman has played over 200 games for the Melbourne Storm in two spells, with his 34-game spell at Wigan sandwiched in between. He has also played 14 times for New South Wales and has 6 caps for Australia.