"Hoffy isn't the guy for Fullback" - Hodges

[I bleed Maroon]

Hoffman ?not right? for fullback: Hodges | The Roar

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.

Welp, there it is. Wing position or bust for Hoffman. The way it should be, ultimately.

 

[Aldo]

If Hoffman was upset when Barba signed, he'd be close to throwing himself off a bridge after reading that.

 

[Morkel]

If Hoffman was upset when Barba signed, he'd be close to throwing himself off a bridge after reading that.

Honestly I don't think so. Of all the people in the team, it would be easiest for him to hear that from Hodges. The fact that he's advocating the same strategy of switching fullbacks for different field positions is a plus for Hodges, and shows that Hoffman really only needs that passing game in order to be considered a viable fullback. Hoffman himself knows exactly what he needs to do - if he can't, then he really can't complain, as it's obviously in the Broncos' fullback job description.

 

[broncos4life]

As usual hodgo is exactly right, thank **** for hodgo. I think depending on how much hoffy respects hodgo this will go 2 ways.

1. Hoffman listens to what hodgo has said and finally realises he could be the best winger in the game, most likely one of the top centres, stays and rips it up for us for the rest of his career.

2. Goes all norman, cracks the sads and leaves for the dogs to play FB... finishes the year on the wing.

 

[KingWebcke]

Right on the money there. Hoffman starting in the centres would be a potential variation.

 

[Coxy]

First there was the great story about Hodges' recovery from the achilles, his determination to get it right, his determination to repay the Broncos for their faith. Now comes this story which, really, is him giving Hoffy some gentle advice and honesty that he needs to hear, from a guy he no doubt has utmost respect for.

When did Justin Hodges become so mature and such a leader? Great to see.

 

[gordjw]

Hodges for Captain/Man Manager?

 

[Charmamba]

When did Justin Hodges become so mature and such a leader? Great to see.

Not bad for a Mundine guy right? ;)

 

[Morkel]

Not bad for a Mundine guy right? ;)

I didn't know he was in with that crew. And I thought I knew everything about him!

Hodges for PM.

 

[Nashy]

Hoffman needs to get over this dream of wanting to be FB.

The only way he will be there is if the coach is useless.......

 

[jarro65]

I really can't see Barba and Hoffman swapping roles during any games.

Unlike when Hodges took over when in attack, Barba is more than enough of a playmaker to handle the duties himself .... so thereby leaving Hoffman on the wing.

Just my 2 cents .....

 

[I bleed Maroon]

Hodgo for Co-Captain with Parker.

 

[ivanhungryjak]

This from The Lurker - for what it's worth.

Hoffman to Bulldogs?I tipped readers this time last week that the Broncos were set to sign Sharks speedster Stewart Mills and Dragons utility Daniel Vidot. Both signed days later but their acquisition strengthens the likelihood of talented fullback Josh Hoffman leaving the club. With Ben Barba, Vidot and Mills all coming on board, the Broncos have a glut of outside backs. Hoffman, who has stood out at fullback over the last couple of seasons, is known to be upset that the club bought Barba to fill his spot. Hoffman is being hunted by the Bulldogs to replace Barba and the mail is he will come to terms soon.

League News | The Lurker - NRL Rumour File - Friday

 

[pennywisealfie]

I'm surprised that everyone is happy to see this article. I'm a huge critic when it comes to Hoffman and don't think he should be in the number 1 jersey. But to see this said through the media rather than in private, i think it's poor form from Hodges.

 

[jarro65]

Hopefully he decides to stay, and show us what he's got on the wing.

 

[jarro65]

I'm surprised that everyone is happy to see this article. I'm a huge critic when it comes to Hoffman and don't think he should be in the number 1 jersey. But to see this said through the media rather than in private, i think it's poor form from Hodges.

I'm sure Hodges didn't say these things to put down/hurt Hoffman in any way.

 

[I bleed Maroon]

Hopefully he decides to stay, and show us what he's got on the wing.

If the Dogs offer him both a better deal and the number one spot, he is as good as gone.

 

[Broncoman]

Hodgo nailed it. Hoffman is a good fullback and impressed there this year but he just ran the ball back and didn't use his support often which the leading fullbacks in the game do.

Hoffman just needs to face the fact that his best position is wing and that's where he will be next season.