The Warriors' new signings are settling in well, giving the back row plenty of options. Te Kāea caught up with new members Ryan Hoffman and Bodene Thompson of Ngāi Te Rangi.
All hands on deck as the Warriors new signings settle into their new home.
Thompson says, “It's been good. Rocked up first day, knew a few of the boys when I first got here, and it's coming along nicely. They make me feel welcome. Everything has been good so far.”
“I'm really enjoying Auckland, fantastic city. Settled in with the family so it's great,” says Hoffman.
The experience of NRL winner Hoffman is a huge boost to the club. The same can also be said for Thompson of Ngāi Te Rangi, who was a part of the winning Kiwis Four Nations squad last year.
Hoffman says, “Hopefully I’m going to try bring in the best part that I can from that to help build the Warriors' culture, and the Warriors' leadership. But I'm also looking at learning myself.”
“It was really good to be in the camp and it was a bit of an eye opener and maybe something for me to strive for again,” says Thompson.
The two back rowers are 80-minute players vying for the same position, which is currently taken by Kiwis and Warriors captain Simon Mannering.
“It's awesome to have those calibers of players in there. You know they are all International players so it just makes my job a lot harder. Also I like to put pressure on other people,” says Thompson.
“Look it's great, it's healthy, that's what you want in the team. It's only going to provide success,” says Hoffman.
The Auckland NRL Nines kick off next weekend.