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How Wests Tigers secured up-and-comer Reece Hoffman

He showed his potential with a try in a pre-season trial game but what was it that convinced this rising star of NRL to leave home and sign on with the Wests Tigers.

These Wests Tigers young guns share a home in Sydney with Reece Hoffman in charge of cleaning due to his lack of experience in the kitchen. Pic: AAP/Matthew Vasilescu.
These Wests Tigers young guns share a home in Sydney with Reece Hoffman in charge of cleaning due to his lack of experience in the kitchen. Pic: AAP/Matthew Vasilescu.

It was the personal touch that helped the Wests Tigers secure up-and-comer Reece Hoffman as a development player.

A quiet sit-down with coach Michael Maguire and his mate Jake Simpkin meant so much to the 18-year-old he knew immediately he wanted the Tigers to be his new home.

“I had a few clubs to decide from and I did a tour but when I came to Concord I was just sold,’’ said Hoffman, who scored for the Tigers during a trial match against the Panthers in the pre-season before the NRL was put on hold.

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Reece Hoffman scores during the NRL Trial match between the Penrith Panthers and the Wests Tigers at Penrith Stadium.
Reece Hoffman scores during the NRL Trial match between the Penrith Panthers and the Wests Tigers at Penrith Stadium.

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“Madge talked to me about winning. That there would be tough days and good days.

“He sat us down and said he wants to win and that’s why he was bringing us to the club.

“He showed confidence in us.’’

Hoffman said the transition from living with his family in Brisbane to living in Sydney was made easier by the fact he is sharing an apartment with Simpkin and fellow teammates Jock Madden, a former Australian schoolboy from Newcastle.

But he admits he has made some “rookie mistakes’’.

Reece Hoffman in action in an under 18s Queensland v NSW State of Origin game in Brisbane. Pic: Adam Head
Reece Hoffman in action in an under 18s Queensland v NSW State of Origin game in Brisbane. Pic: Adam Head

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“I learned pretty quickly not to put a white cotton shirt in with coloured stuff,.’’ said Hoffman who will feature as a Development Player for two seasons before stepping up in 2022.

“They learned I’m not a great cook. Jake and Jock have lived out of home before so they do the cooking and I do the washing-up.’’

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/sport/how-west-tigers-secured-upandcomer-reece-hoffman/news-story/26b342c7accaed1fc9bf50546f4a16b6