He’s ousted Ben Barba as Brisbane’s fullback, so Josh Hoffman isn’t about to give up the Broncos’ No.1 jersey any time soon.
The Broncos could have up to four recognised fullbacks in their squad for next season, with Canberra’s Anthony Milford heading to Red Hill and persistent rumours Darius Boyd will again link up with incoming coach Wayne Bennett.
But after regaining the fullback position with Barba’s switch to five-eighth, the New Zealand international says he wants to show Bennett over the final weeks of this season that Milford and company will need to play somewhere else on the field in 2014.
“It’s somewhere where I’d like to look at long term,” Hoffman said.
“I didn’t grow up playing (fullback), as I moved along in my career (coach) Anthony Griffin moulded me into that fullback role so I think it’s something I’d like to look at long term.”
Barba’s big-name arrival at the start of the year forced Hoffman into the halves at five-eighth, where he played 15 games next to halfback Ben Hunt before Barba’s indifferent form forced a change.
Hoffman revealed he never entirely settled at No.6 and was happy to be out of the role.
“I feel a lot more freedom at the back,” he said.
“I’m enjoying my time there.
“Playing five-eighth, there’s a lot more pressure on myself to do that job. Now wearing that No.1 jersey, I feel a lot more freedom and a lot of the pressure is taken off my back.”
Scrubbit
Guest
Hoffman may stick around for another year and play wing just to finish his contract. Or maybe just to play under Bennett.
Alex
Guest
Would definitely prefer Reed, or a host of QCup players. Living in a fantasy world but it would be great if Bennett could convince Boyd or Hoffman to shift out to the other flank.
Terry Kidd
Guest
To tell the truth I agree .... Barba's days at the Broncos are numbered ..... his attacking spark has been snuffed, he is a speed bump in defence and he gets monstered under a high kick. If I am a club CEO I would have to be real desperate to offer Barba a contract and it most certainly would not be top dollar. The only way I see Barba staying at the Broncos is for Bennett to turn him into a half back.
Scrubbit
Guest
Well he has had a very rough road personally the last two years, and a very serious ankle injury that was downplayed by Brisbane which takes about a year to really get over. If he's no good next year then there are no excuses...
Scrubbit
Guest
I see your point but you flip the coin and unless you want reed in the side it's between him, barba, and Kahu who's a 6/centre.
Kevin SInfield
Guest
Barba to the super league
james t
Guest
What happened to barba? My mates lil brother followed the tigers for his entire life. Barba kills it in 2012 the guy becomes a bulldogs fan by 2013. And now he's at the broncos. It appears he.let down his fans and himself.
MAX
Guest
When Barba was released there were indications Hoffman may become a Bulldog. If Des rated him that highly I cannot see Wayne discarding him nor can I see BB back at Belmore.
Alex
Guest
Pfft!! Lachlan Maranta will be lucky if they take me back at Norths the way he's headed. Trouble with him is it's more of a "who you know" selection.
Alex
Guest
Hoffman has proven he can be a fantastic winger. Unfortunately I don't think he will hang around at the broncos to play out there. There are a few clubs where he would walk into the fullback role. He has stated that he is willing to move to play fullback and is looking to make his next contract "for his family". I think it will be a great shame if the broncos can't hold on to him. I'm a huge fan of his. Even if we retain Barba, gain Milford and sign Boyd, I would still have him at No.2 in the fullback pecking order. And believe it or not that's only behind Justin Hodges
Scrubbit
Guest
Hoffmans gone. Brisbane will chase Boyd (or at least Bennett will chase Boyd.) Hoffman will be either released to the dogs or strung along another year, Barba might be a bench utility at best, and Boyd/Milford will flip a coin for the 6 jersey. Next years back line: 1. Milford 2. Vidot 3. Copley 4. Hodges 5. Maranta/Kahu 6. Boyd 7. Hunt Bennett will resign Hannant, while letting go of Kennedy and will probably have the storm prop (can't recall his name) coming off the bench while moving Parker back to lock and benching either Gillett or Glenn (probably Glenn). Forward pack: 8. McGuire 9. McCoullough 10. Hannant 11. Gillett/Glenn 12. Thaiday 13. Parker Bench: Barba (if lucky) The storm prop (is it Garbutt?) Glenn/Gillett Hala who will then get injured and be replaced by either Lowrie or Stagg. Reeds probably out of the top 17 until one of the centres get injured.
maximillian
Guest
A lot will depend on if Boyd returns. If he doesnt I can see Hoffman staying at 1 & Milford playing 6 with Barba out. If he does I can see Milford playing 1, Boyd playing 6 & Hoffman playing wing. Either way Barba is surplus to requirements IMO & should be ousted.
djcooper
Roar Guru
Learning how to pass the ball might be a good start.