He may be World Cup defending champion New Zealand’s first choice fullback, but Josh Hoffman “is not the right guy” to wear the Broncos No.1 jersey, Brisbane teammate Justin Hodges says.
Hoffman has been named fullback for the Kiwis’ warm-up clash with the Cook Islands in England this weekend and is considered a key to their title defence.
However, a question mark looms over Hoffman’s place in the Broncos backline next year after the signings of Dally M Medallist Ben Barba, Canberra’s Daniel Vidot and Cronulla’s Stewart Mills.
Hoffman was a shining light at fullback in the final seven NRL rounds in an otherwise dismal season for Brisbane.
But Hodges said the Kiwi speedster must work on his passing game if he was to become a world class No.1.
“Hoffy is a great player, but at the moment I don’t think he is the right guy for fullback,” he told AAP.
“He’s one of the best runners I have seen with the football, but he just has to work on his passing game. That’s where I think he falls down.
“You look at guys like Greggy (Inglis) and Billy (Slater), all the great fullbacks we have in our game, they have those real fast hands.
“And Hoffy just hasn’t learned that yet.”
Hoffman was reportedly upset when told of Barba’s three-year deal in August and was believed to have contemplated a release from his contract, which expires at the end of 2015, before backing down.
However, Hodges – battling back from an Achilles injury – believed being kept honest by Barba would only benefit Hoffman’s game.
“I think Barba’s arrival will be good for him,” he said.
“It will be good competition.
“It (picking fullback) will be a real tough choice for Hook (Broncos coach Anthony Griffin).
“But it will be good for the Broncos having those two guys firing.”
However, Hodges said Griffin may already possess the blueprint to best utilise Hoffman after Barba’s arrival.
Hodges and Hoffman successfully rotated between right centre and fullback this season before serious injury again struck down the Broncos veteran.
The recovering Hodges believed swapping first choice fullback Barba with Hoffman on either the wing or centres would prove a masterstroke for Brisbane.
“Maybe that same role Hoffy and I played towards the end of the year, swapping over, I think they can still do that,” Hodges said.
“There’s no word that Hoff has to stay on the wing forever.
“Him and Benny swapping all the time will put the defence in two minds.”
BronkiiFyed
Guest
Hoffman is way better than Norman at #1, i see more passion n drive from Hoff at fullback than when Norman plays...with that typa heart, hoff could be as good as any top shelf #1 in the game today...
Symbolsoup
Roar Rookie
Maybe in 2015, not before. No chance.
Clark
Guest
Probably doesn't mean much, Bulldogs talk to almost every single player.
Rod Bulldog
Guest
I hope Hoffman goes to the Doggies. Rod Bulldog
The eye
Guest
Dugan's been running off Nathan Fien,Billy Slater off Brett Finch,Jarryd Hayne off Luke Kelly/Ben Roberts...I'd look good running off Darren Lockyer in his prime..Hodgo sounds frustrated - if he's waiting to be provided with a good 5/8,he can wait on the wing
Don
Roar Rookie
Hoffman was sensational running off Lockyer 2010/11 in the same style Slater was running off Cronk. No Lockyer = no opportunities since then. Give him a good 5/8 and some real running threats out wider to put doubt in defenders heads, he will star again. People forget, some of Hodges best work is in very close to the ruck and from play the ball. Put another centre in the team that runs wider and has speed and Hoffman on the inside is a real threat again. I like his fearless nature too.
symbolsoup
Guest
Why? Because you didn't get what you want and were more interested in throwing a hissy fit? A real team player does what is asked of him whilst still collecting the pretty penny they are on. Too many entitled Gen Y'ers around without a sense of what they are giving. I'm not talking about Hoffman here, since he has never publicly said this.
Mike from tari
Guest
If I was Josh I would be off to another club, no respect from Gee or Hook, agree with the guy who reckons McCullough shouldn't be there, 3 hookers in the Q Cup are better than him & 2 of them are or were on the Broncos books.
symbolsoup
Guest
Love how you left out the 'r' in Canterbury (buy), Davy. Sums them up perfectly!
symbolsoup
Guest
Yeah agree that REed is in the Luke Lewis mold and should be a back rower. Hopefully he will take over from Parker in the next couple of years when he retires.
KSI
Guest
Sick of seeing back rowers in our back line. Other than Hoffman we have zero speed.
Cino
Guest
I think the hoffy debate comes down to who he is running off and the platform the forwards provide. I for one prefer a fullback that can defend and take a high ball. I think the playmaking should be left up to the 6 and 7. I would like to see barba return to the halves were he calved up in the U20's comp. It would be good to have 2 halves that are able to play what's in front of them.
Gaz
Guest
I understand the way it is some players are unable to be approached until 1st November. Can only live in hope that there is some remnants of astuteness left in the Bronco management to approach and net a half and 5/8 somewhere..........wouldn't you?
RAF
Guest
I can't believe there is so much discussion about a nothing subject/quote. Obviously must be SOME Bronco's supporters out there.
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
So I read your article - and I loved it. I love articles like this. Squad competition is a good motivator and I am glad Hoffman backed down. I want to see more of him in Broncos colours. I am enjoying watching the broncos team develop. Hodges insight into Hoffman's hands was an interesting one for me. The insight slipped me by previously.
symbolsoup
Guest
No Oikee, nobody would. But hodges, Parker, yow yeh, could definitely be up there. All depends how you want to see it. I obviously omitted Thaiday as he is over rated as hell these days. You are cherry picking names from multiple generations of teams. You could say the same thing about any club. Completely agree that we need to clean out management. Some astute changes are happening and in the wings. Whether it is enough is another thing but I do believe that in the next 3-5 years, we will be back to our best. Wishful thinking maybe, but there has been plenty of positive signs in business, facilities, partnerships, sponsors, trainers, scouts, youth development, depth signings and player targets. Fingers crossed that there's a plan for the pivots.
Dave
Guest
great analysis Ferret. Not to mention that Barba caused discontent and a split in the dressing room at Canterbury. With Hodges coming out in public like this, and a destabilising person like Barba coming into the club, it seems that if Hoffman stays , the split that has just been high;lighted by hodges will only get worse. I would call Hoffmans position untenable. Teh analysis about Hodgo is quite true, he is out for a quarter of the season now, as he ages that won't improve. Even as s short term answer, why would you play your marquee player out of position. He is not a fullback....and rarely passes as well. I.
Dave
Guest
He's been spotted talking to Canterbuy
ctar
Guest
Dugan can actually pass and kick. He did play some 5/8 for the Raiders with mixed results.
Case
Guest
Hard. They're teammates. Seems incredibly harsh on Hoffman to publicly call him out. Should be none of Hodges concern right now. I'd be p***** if I was Hoffman right now