The Canberra Raiders have inducted two past players into the club’s Hall of Fame, with Raider #6 Jay Hoffman and Raider #211 Alan Tongue joining an elite group of club legends.
The Hall of Fame inductions took place on Friday night at a gala event in Canberra, with the current NRL squad and a host of past Hall of Fame inductees in attendance.
Jay Hoffman was a pioneer Raider who played for the club from 1982-1987, becoming the first Raider to play 100 first-grade matches. Hoffman’s son Ryan spoke on Friday night about his father and the legacy he had left.
Alan Tongue played 220 matches for the Raiders from 2000-2011, including five seasons as Club Captain. Tongue was known as the player that other players wanted to play with, with former teammate Josh Miller leading an emotional tribute to his great mate during the event.
Both Hoffman and Tongue join a long list of premiership winners and club legends in the Hall of Fame. Click Here to see the full list of inductees.
See below for the official citations presented to the players on the night, which will now take place in the club’s Hall of Fame at the Supaglass Raiders Centre in Braddon.
Jay Hoffman
Raider #6
Player: 1982 – 1987
111 First Grade Appearances for Raiders | 9 Tries
Raiders Hall of Fame Induction: Season 2026
Foundation Raiders player Jay Hoffman, who was born in Casino New South Wales but completed school on the Gold Coast (he represented Queensland Schoolboys), arrived in Canberra in 1982 having already established himself as a high calibre competitor with Brisbane Brothers.
Jay’s quality performances, which had caught the eye of inaugural Raiders coach Don Furner, had earned him Queensland representative honours in three matches between 1979 and 1980 and his representative pedigree and professionalism helped set early standards for the young Raiders club.
A resolute defender who possessed underestimated pace in attack, Hoffman became a cornerstone of the team particularly in the first five seasons of the Club, making 111 first grade appearances as a tough, reliable, and fiercely committed hooker.
Jay holds the honour of being the first Raider player to bring up 100 games for the club at first grade level.
During his Raiders tenure, Hoffman’s influence extended far beyond match day. He was twice recognised as Clubman of the Year (1983 and 1985), reflecting his exceptional character, leadership, and dedication to team culture—qualities that helped shape the identity of the club in its early years.
Hoffman’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment, his willingness to compete “any place, any time,” and his role in laying the foundations for the Raiders’ future success.
His induction into the Canberra Raiders Hall of Fame celebrates not only his on-field achievements but also his lasting impact on the club’s spirit, standards, and community.
Alan Tongue
Raider #211
Player: 2000 – 2011
220 First Grade Appearances for Raiders | 31 Tries
Raiders Hall of Fame Induction: Season 2026
Born in Tamworth New South Wales, Alan Tongue joined the Raiders in 1998 and went on to carve out a distinguished 220 game career for the Green Machine. Additionally, Tongue was a PM XIII representative in 2008 and Country Origin Representative in 2009.
Debuting in 2000 for the Raiders, Tongue played 21 matches in his first season at first grade level and went on to earn the club’s Rookie of the Year award in that year. In season 2003, Alan was awarded Clubman of the Year.
Across a stellar 12-year first grade playing career, the man who self-announced at his ACT Sport Hall of Fame recognition that he “wasn’t the most gifted rugby league player,” forged a career on passion and determination. These qualities made him one of the most beloved figures in Raiders history and confirmed Alan as one of the most industrious and respected players in the NRL.
A tireless competitor renowned for his work ethic, leadership, and defensive excellence, Tongue set a then record 1,087 tackles in the 2006 regular season, a testament to his unmatched commitment on the field. That same year he was voted the Raiders’ Player of the Year, and in 2008 he achieved national recognition as the Dally M Lock of the Year and Captain of the Year, guiding Canberra to a top six finish.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Tongue embodied the values of the Raiders through humility, resilience, and service to the community. His leadership extended well past his playing days, becoming an NRL Ambassador and a driving force behind programs such as Voice Against Violence, reflecting his dedication to positive social impact. His influence was further acknowledged when he was named ACT Australian of the Year in 2017.
For his outstanding service, leadership, and enduring legacy, Alan Tongue rightfully takes his place among the Canberra Raiders’ greatest contributors as a Hall of Fame inductee.
