Melbourne has hired NRL great Ryan Hoffman to a leadership role in what is the latest addition to Steven King’s off-field brigade.
Hoffman, who will work with the Demons at least one day per week as a leadership consultant, brings a wealth of experience from the elite level, having spent 16 years in rugby league.
The Storm legend was on track with the Demons on Wednesday morning as King put his players through a brutal session in the heat.
It’s understood Hoffman quietly assumed the role three weeks ago.
The 41-year-old had three stints with the Melbourne Storm, as well as spells with the New Zealand Warriors and Wigan Warriors, to tally 359 career league games.
Hoffman also represented Australia in six Tests and featured for New South Wales 14 times in the State of Origin arena.
The addition is one of many off-field changes at the Demons, who have secured Matthew Scarlett, Jared Rivers and Rory Atkins, among others, to form King’s new-look coaching strikeforce.
Hoffman’s code switch isn’t the first of its kind, with his ex-teammate Billy Slater linking up with St Kilda in 2019.
The Storm called on the services of retired Geelong champion Joel Selwood for the 2023 season following his decorated career with the Cats.
Earlier this year, Hawthorn called on the insight of North Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten for its Round 13 clash with the Western Bulldogs in a mentoring capacity for Sam Mitchell and his team.