Anthony Griffin’s experiment as Josh Hoffman at five-eighth for the Broncos appears to have run its course, without really getting anywhere.
The problem stems from the Broncos signing Ben Barba when they already had a better-than-average fullback in Hoffman, but that’s a story for another day.
Griffin knew all along that he would be starting 2014 with Barba as fullback, but certainly didn’t want to cut Hoffman from the team altogether, so tossed him into the halves.
At the time it wasn’t a bad decision; Hoffman is a class act who has earned his keep in first grade ever since his debut, and it was only human to assume he could cover the now-departed Corey Norman.
But if there’s one thing Ricky Stuart has done right in the last 10 years, it’s been canning his own five-eighth experiment as he removed Jack Wighton from the 6 jersey and sent him out to the centres again. Anthony Griffin should now do the same and relocate Hoffman anywhere in the three-quarter section of the team.
So who then moves into the number 6 role? Who sits outside halfback Ben Hunt to create that crucial link from centre field to the outside backs?
Justin Hodges is the man for the job.
Watching Hodges on Friday night against the Titans all but confirmed previous suspicions I had that he would be good enough to act as a playmaker on the edges.
Just look at the Broncos’ first try, which Hodges set up for Dale Copley, and tell me it didn’t remind you of Darren Lockyer in the last few years of his career. The way he casually held the ball up long enough to keep the defenders’ eyes on him before delivering a perfectly timed pass to put Copley in the corner for four points would have earned him Lockyer’s nod of approval, along with Wally Lewis’ uncontrolled cheers across the Channel Nine microphones.
Hodges isn’t getting any younger and has been victim of some serious injuries, which have taken a slight edge off his overall speed. But he still has that uncanny ability to play the game at his own speed with the ball in hand, making everything around him appear to be in slow motion.
It’s exactly the kind of cool, calm attitude a team needs from a second receiver and a trait that former great five-eighths of the game possessed.
Even at the end of their careers, it didn’t matter to the likes of Cliff Lyons, Darren Lockyer and Jason Smith if the fastest or strongest players stood in front of them, they would simply go about their business with a nonchalant demeanour. You were almost certain Lyons or Smith were about to casually light a smoke, have a puff and stamp it out before throwing the next pass.
I can certainly see Hodges taking up that role in the Broncos backline; taking the ball right up to the defence each time before drawing multiple defenders and throwing a hard, flat ball to an outside man waiting to dive over in the corner, just like Lockyer used to.
Surely he couldn’t be worse than Hoffman?
Baruch
Guest
I have a lot of respect for hoffman, but I think the way things are going... I would like to see Barba and Hofman make a shift. Put Barba in 5/8 and Hofma at fullback. Justin Hodges is better of where he is at the moment. Broncs, your fans are dying to see you win several more games to be in top 8. Go Broncs.. its never too late.
Jared
Guest
Not necessary to move hodges officially into no 6. On looks (and number of try assists for hodges- 6 in 6 games?) then he is playing as a fill in 6 anyway. Many of the backline moves are starting with hodges at 2nd receiver and either Hoffman or a back rower slotting in at centre. Hodges is a class act. If he and barba get a bit more of a roving license, and Hoffman can slot in to the backline somewhere (or learn to pass) then the broncs will be better in attack. The only person id drop for Hoffman in the backline is Copley. Hodges is not explosive enough to return to fullback. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Summitone
Guest
I noticed one thing with all your suggested team listings, no one had Reed in their back line. Not being a broncos fan myself, I have no reason to think he shouldn't be there. Is there a reason he is not listed by anyone?? As for Hoffman, as good a player he is, five eighth is not his position. Centre or wing for sure! Oh maybe we can take him off your hands down in Canberra, since we lost another young gun!! -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Dallas
Guest
Hodges should be left at centre. He wouldn't be able to handle the extra defensive workload if played in the halfs. Or if played at fullback he probably wouldnt have the fittness for that role. People need to realize that we he did against the titans when he set up the try to Copley and a few other similar passes and plays, he was playing more a fullback role rather than 5/8th. Halves play left and right of the ruck these days so 9/10 times they will be recieving the ball directly from the hooker. That is not hodges go, he needs to stay where he is outwide. The broncos biggest problem in the backline is jack reed, he is as a slow as a wet week and offers very little in attack. This is how I would have the backline for the rest of the year until Milford's joins next year 1. Barba 2. Copley 3. Glenn 4. Hodges 5. Vidot 6. Hoffman 7. Hunt I would also look at moving Hoffman into the centres only if they can find a specialist five eight from lowers grades to take the no. 6, possibly kodi nikorama or Cameron cullen. 4.
John
Guest
This is actually an interesting idea, at least for the remainder of this season given that Anthony Milford has now confirmed that he will honour his contract [a rarity in this day and age] and come to Brisbane next season. I have great respect for Hoffman and consequently I don't want to see him lost to the Broncos. However he needs to find his proper position in the side, other than fullback. For me that means a position where he doesn't have to pass a lot given his propensity for holding onto the ball. This means either the wing, a position he performed well at last season scoring a number of tries, or lock, where he can take over Justin Hodges' role in making fast dummy-half runs as many times as he can. The funny thing is re the Broncos attack, despite looking very disjointed to me most of the time, as I write this the Broncos sit equal 3rd in points scored so far this season with 216 [equal with the Storm and behind the Eels with 239 and the Cowboys with 232]. Go figure!
Nordburg
Guest
Whilst most of the talk that goes around is only media speculation,in other words BS,where will Milford fit in?Then there is the rumour of KHunt returning.But another interesting situation that may arise is the chance that Bennett may come back meaning his love child Boyd to follow -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Bearfax
Roar Guru
I think there's a lot of sense in the suggestion to have Hodges at 5/8. He's a tough and clever competitor, knows how to attack and defend welll and to set up his outside men. And he's leader in the backline. Having him more involved might tighten the Broncs up quite a bit. But your danger is losing your attack out wide. Perhaps Hoffman in the centre may solve that. Whether it works or not, it's worth a look because generally except for this weekend, the Broncs have look pretty ordinary.
Jack
Guest
Maybe he wouldn't be worse than Hoffman, but i'm not sure it's the answer. Not when we do have young halves coming through our systems like Nikorima and Strasser, and other players who may be able to play 1/3/4/6 like Kahu. I'm a believer in 'if it ain't broke, why fix it' and so I'd be reluctant to move yet another player in Hodges out of his usual position to try him in a new position. If a guy like Kahu was screaming for selection and needed a spot, I don't think he;d look out of place there.
Luis
Guest
Leave Hodges alone in his present position.He doesn't need more responsibility and also a position which is much more physically demanding. He has had major injuries in the past few years and centre is a perfect position from which he can still do good things for the team. There are other more pressing issues that need to be sorted out at the Club.
Margaret M
Guest
An interesting read . Hodges has still got great Rugby League talent ,if slower or not , Hodges at no 6 may be another option .. Glad the Broncos still have Hoffman The Broncos do have Some good players in the backs . May be now is the time to try something a little different .. GO GO Broncos
Brett
Guest
I don't think Hodges has the energy to play as five-eighth, he's lost a lot of is pace. Anyway, he plays similar to a roaming fullback most games already.
Sir Alfie
Guest
This has been a hot topic of discussion around the table for my group of mates, and our general concensus is for the remainder of the season the broncos back line should be 1. Hodges 2. Copley 3. Hoffman 4. Oates 5. Vidot 6. Barba 7. Hunt
Margaret M
Guest
To the Broncos Congrats on your game .. This item an interesting read I had hoped this year The Broncos would not trial the players like in past 2/3 years Yep Hoffman is a safe player .Glad in many ways he is still with The Broncos . Hodges sill has talent , even if slightly slower & thinking players are great in any team. Your thoughts of Hodges at no 6 s worth The Broncos thinking about The backs in The Broncos all have talent can cover for each other . . Does bring back many memories of Some of The Broncos teams/players from Yesterdays eras . Although the team that was picked at the start of each season was nearly always the right team That was yesterdays era , many changes to the game of Rugby League since . Come On Broncos Still plenty of time to get to the Grand Finals & WIN .