Full Credit to the Boys: A cliché-free tale of marrying into Footy

by Mel Hoffman

When Mel fell in love with Ryan 'Hoff' Hoffman, a dedicated young player with the NRL's Melbourne Storm, she had no idea what she was getting into. But she soon learned that marrying a professional sportsman means marrying a whole team of players, their managers, fans, wives and girlfriends. She also learned that the rules of the game extended far beyond the field, and as part of the rugby league 'family', she would be expected to fall into line.

Genres: Nonfiction

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2021

Reviews

[Em__Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living in Sydney, I am in definitely in rugby league land, but admittedly, I don’t pay much attention to the game except when the game, or frankly, more often, players are in the limelight for behaving badly. FULL CREDIT TO THE BOYS was on a shelf at my library and I was curious to read about a different side of the rugby league juggernaut.

I whizzed through this book one day. Hoffman’s writing is articulate, insightful, humorous, and a pleasure to read. The behind the scenes look at the life of the spouse of a professional sportsperson wasn’t entirely unfamiliar but I never really thought about the never-ending pressure and uncertainty that comes with it. Above all, her story is relatable.

Hoffman makes good arguments – as well as some easy to implement policy suggestions – about how the entire league would benefit from better support of spouses and families as well as female representation in the industry.

I don’t know what Hoffman’s future writing plans are but I do hope there will be new books coming down the pipeline. I am a fan!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a Melbourne Storm fan I was aware of Ryan 'Hoff' Hoffman but I had no idea his partner, Mel was a writer of great insight and integrity. Mel writes about her life and discomfort at sporting stereotypes and is candid about her life as a 'sports wife'. I particularly loved this book when Mel displayed her feminist chops, writing and campaigning for gender equality, recognition of life roles beyond sport and greater female representation in roles of authority. I raced through this book and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to read a behind-the-scenes look at what life is like for a person married to a professional sportsperson.

[Heather Norbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific insight into life as the wife of an elite footballer! A great read for anyone who has been part of any sporting club - cricket, soccer, AFL, rugby! Brought back memories of dragging our three children to cricket and footy every weekend!!

[Stacey Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and read it while reading one of my others. It gives a real good insight of what it’s like to be a spouse of an elite athlete