Melbourne back-rower Ryan Hoffman doesn't necessarily see his recent NRL form as a timely reminder to NSW Origin selectors of his talents.

But he'll be quite happy if they notice, should they decide to resurrect his representative career if things don't go to plan for the Blues in Wednesday night's second State of Origin clash.

Hoffman played all last year's Origin series but has been overlooked for this year's first two matches.

The 25-year-old's interrupted pre-season following ankle surgery and some indifferent early season form didn't help his cause, as well as the depth NSW have in the back-row.

Some excellent recent matches, including a major role in the hard-fought 14-12 win over Wests Tigers last weekend, show Hoffman is back to his best.

Hoffman's slow-burning start to the season has been good news for the Storm, who have managed to hang on to him rather than lose him along with the usual drain of stars to representative duty.

But Hoffman holds out hope that if he keep performing, he may be able to win back a Blues jersey - with Storm and NSW coach Craig Bellamy knowing better than anyone how damaging he can be.

"You're always hopeful and I'm quite confident if I'm playing good footy those things will come," Hoffman said.

"But I'm not a selector. All I can do is keep playing good footy for the selectors to notice me, and if I get a start, fantastic.

"If not, I'll just keep plugging away and help get the Storm winning footy games.

"The last four or five weeks have been my best all year, and it's been good to string a few good games together.

"The trick now is to use these games as a stepping stone to keep improving and doing what the team expects."

After losing all three NRL matches played without their Origin stars last season, Melbourne have finally put a win on the board this time around - Hoffman believing it is proof the Storm have built enough depth to be a serious premiership threat.

"We've always had confidence in the guys in the guys we bring into the team, but to see them do it against the Tigers - it's great to know these guys have had a taste of first grade this year and can come in and fill those roles," he said.

"It's pleasing for our depth and pleasing we can win without our rep players."

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