Josh Hoffman is Gold Coast’s big off-season recruit but he still has to prove to the Titans’ coaches he’s the NRL club’s best option at fullback.
Hoffman quit Brisbane to join the Titans last month following Darius Boyd’s return to the Broncos, seeking to play more in his favoured No.1 jersey.
But if the 26-year-old thought he’d just walk into the role at the Titans, he’s got another thing coming in the opinion of Titans’ assistant coach Terry Matterson.
With Will Zillman and David Mead also aiming to be the club’s custodian in 2015, Hoffman is far from a shoo-in for the role.
Matterson says every candidate will be given their chance to shine during the club’s pre-season and trial matches.
“Makes it interesting. There’s a few people vying for that fullback position,” Matterson said.
“Everyone needs to get an opportunity. That sometimes is easier said than done.
“Josh has only just come on board and the other guys are very accomplished in that role.”
Matterson believes the battle to secure the No.1 jersey is indicative of the steps needed to take in the Titans revival.
This year’s finish outside the top eight was the club’s fourth season in a row without finals football, resulting in a review of the club’s operations and the departure of foundation coach John Cartwright.
A two-time premiership player, Matterson says it won’t take much to turn Gold Coast’s fortunes around, in particular a hardening of the club’s mentality going into the new campaign.
“There’s a great opportunity here to freshen things up with the new people coming in and we’ve got some new players as well. That’s exciting,” he said.
“(It’s about) building a real mental toughness. An edge that when things do get tough, these guys are going to fight hard. We’re going to have some challenges throughout the year.”
Silver Sovereign
Roar Rookie
Zillman was a terrible signing before he even played a game for the Titans. He has already had bad knee injuries at the Raiders which robbed him of his pace. Now he is just a small, slow, mistake prone utility back with no real position. Ever since the he became permanent no 1, the Titans have been losing
tigerdave
Guest
Watch his passing game improve with Henry.
tigerdave
Guest
No guarantee, of course there aren't, but for the good of the team, he will be the number 1. Mead is a great finisher on the wing. Zillman only plays a handfull of games per year. Long term Hoffman is the man. The Titans are feeling the Zillman 5 year deal given to him by that rabbit Searle. He is a fantastic fullback, but chews up too much of the salary cap for the games he plays. As soon as that 5 year term expies, Zillman will be lookimg for a new club and/or resigning at a very much discounted price. Better for him to show his versitality now so he can show he is value for money at another club.
scott
Guest
Nah, Hoffman's father and manager rate him as a full back too. So did Anthony Griffin. In all honesty he's not the worst fullback if you have good creative halves. He's not bad defensively, has good hands and he's not afraid of running the ball back when he's going to get smashed. He just can't pass.
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
Mead was man of the match in the City vs Country game after playing a top role as fb. Zillman has always been average at best. Hoffman plays with intensity, which is what the Titans back line misses.
James T
Guest
James Roberts is easily the best option at fullback, he will be totally wasted playing in the centres outside Mortimer
fishes
Guest
Overrated. Just a regular first grade winger at best. I think he only person that rates Josh Hoffman at fullback is Josh Hoffman.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Definitely better than zillman. Mead I think could give him a run for his money. Mostly because mead is fast and knows how to pass.
Silver Sovereign
Roar Rookie
He'd certainly be better than Zillman or Mead