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Player movements are part and parcel of rugby league – and any Australian code for that matter – so you’re a good chance to witness at least one of your favourite players move on from your club in your lifetime.
I can usually handle player transfers, but the latest one has rubbed me the wrong way. Although it could be seen from a mile away, I’d been holding out hope that the Broncos would do everything they could to keep Josh Hoffman
Hoffman has arguably put in the most work for the Broncos out of the current generation of players – playing in any position asked of him – and he’s been chewed up and spat out. He chose to leave, but what choice did he have?
Sit on the wing while every other back gets a crack at his preferred position? Through no fault of his own, he’s returned a poor hard-work-to-reward ratio, so I’m not surprised he’s moving on.
I highlight the Titans as the club that will most benefit from the Broncos’ clean-out because Josh Hoffman is easily the biggest loss for 2015. He’s developed into a hard-running outside back and deserved to be made the Broncos’ long-term first-choice fullback. William Zillman might put up a fight to assume the position at the back although Neil Henry should have the nouse to pick Hoffman.
Speaking of: much has been said about Broncos trying to sign fullback after fullback, so I won’t flog a dead horse. I will, however, comment on their uncharacteristically short-sighted management of two players this previous year.
Ben Barba
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to see Barba make the move to Red Hill and, until Anthony Milford was confirmed as Bennett’s preferred option for the No. 6 jumper.
I had high hopes of Barba forming a premiership-winning combination with the ever-improving Ben Hunt. With little to no interest from other clubs to sign Barba, he’s set to go the way of Hoffman by the time his contract expires.
Martin Kennedy
I’m starting to think Martin Kennedy is has the best PR man in rugby league. The hype surrounding him signing with the Broncos following a decent season as a passenger in Sydney Roosters’ premiership-winning 2013 team was nothing short of remarkable.
With Kennedy returning to the Roosters for next season, this will complete the most poorly thought-out signing the Broncos have made in the last 10 years.
As Kevin Walters is being groomed as Bennett’s eventual successor, sensible player management will take place over the course of Bennett’s final tenure at Red Hill: Milford will form the partnership with Hunt that Barba was recruited to do; Corey Oates will develop in the penultimate years of Corey Parker’s co-captaincy; Matt Gillett will assume the role as leader of the forward pack.
One man I will keep a strong eye on, though, is Darius Boyd. He’s followed Bennett everywhere, so his [lack of] club loyalty will always be under my scrutiny. Will he stay with the Broncos or continue his journey across rugby league’s eastern seaboard to sign with yet another team?
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