It is better to have played and lost, than not to have played at all. That is the attitude of Melbourne hardman Ryan Hoffman who has experienced three mixed grand final emotions - defeat, victory and helplessness.
Hoffman sobbed on national television when Melbourne were upset by Brisbane in 2006, but then enjoyed the elation of victory when the Storm made amends in 2007.
However, the toughest year of all was in 2008 when Hoffman had an ankle injury that kept him on the sidelines while his teammates were belted 40-0 by Manly.
"Not getting a chance to get out there, easily," said Hoffman when asked if it was worse to lose or not play at all. "I would much rather be playing, definitely.
"It's devastating losing a grand final, but not being able to help your teammates ..." Hoffman said.
"It is such a helpless feeling. I was feeling sorry for the boys out on the field to have what happened to them during the game.
"It was quite hard for them, I felt for them rather than for myself.
"But that's done and now I get a chance to rectify that moment last year this year."
- AAP
NRL: Hoffman out for revenge
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