Hamstring injury could end Storm champion Ryan Hoffman’s career
RETIRING Melbourne champion Ryan Hoffman may have played his last NRL game after succumbing to a “major” hamstring injury.
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CONCERNED Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has questioned his team’s “hunger” after yesterday’s three-point loss to Cronulla Sharks.
And in a cruel subplot, retiring Storm champion Ryan Hoffman may have played his last NRL game after succumbing to a “major” hamstring injury.
The defeat leaves Storm clinging to a spot in the top four after back to back losses to premiership rivals South Sydney and the Sharks.
Four of the club’s seven losses this season have been against current top eight teams.
“This might be a little bit harsh but it looks like we lack a little bit of hunger at the moment,” Bellamy said.
“I thought we started the game, looked like we waited for things to happen instead of making them happen … I’m not quite sure why that would be.
“We need to change that if we’re going to go anywhere in this competition.”
Storm coughed up territory and possession in the first half, gifting the Sharks scoring opportunities.
The visiting Sharks cashed in on the scoreboard and were never headed despite Melbourne turning up the heat in the second half with repeat attacking sets.
“We know Cronulla is a really good scrambling side,” Bellamy said.
“If you’re going to score points, you’re going to have to earn them, and I thought in the first half we weren’t prepared to do that.”
Storm captain Cameron Smith yesterday endorsed the stinging assessment.
“It’s quite fair for Craig to have those comments,” Smith said.
“He makes those comments on what he sees out there today and I don’t think he’s far off the mark.”
Melbourne paid dearly for sloppy ball control and haphazard communication out on the field, especially in the first half, gifting the Sharks territory.
Meanwhile, Storm will let Hoffman’s hamstring injury settle before sending him for scans tomorrow or Wednesday.
Visibly distressed Bellamy could only hope for the best last night after seeing Hoffman in tears after the game.
“We are really concerned — he’s in tears in the dressing room which is not easy to see, especially a player in the twilight of his career,” Bellamy said.
“He’s been a wonderful player for our club and I’m not quite sure he will play again
“They’re thinking it’s a really major injury and I know he’ll do everything he can this year (to get back) and not have to retire on this note.”
Hoffman sustained the injury late in the game having his “legs got lifted in a tackle”.
“I just hope he can get back before the end of the season, but it’s a pretty major injury,” Bellamy said.
Originally published as Hamstring injury could end Storm champion Ryan Hoffman’s career