Hoffman in the halves

[rnabokov]

Technically Hoffman was our full back and other clubs would certainly put their fullback into 5/8 if they had to.

Foordy, the key word is ... "technically".

I think the general consensus was, and remains, unlike most other FB's, Hoffa just didn't cut it as a ball player/play maker which, these days, for mine is a key element of a good FB

 

[1910]

Before the NYC was started young players were thrown into the deep end and succeeded though. And other clubs would have them playing already if they lost their halves.

No they played Under 21's, Reserve grade or ISC.

There has always been a pathway to A grade.

The QRL system of CC, MM, Colts, Fogs, ISC is producing countless players for NRL.

Missing steps can sometimes bear success. Most players need to progress. I would say especially halves.

Who was the last half that went from school to NRL without playing and playing well at a lower level?

 

[Porthoz]

No they played Under 21's, Reserve grade or ISC.

There has always been a pathway to A grade.

The QRL system of CC, MM, Colts, Fogs, ISC is producing countless players for NRL.

Missing steps can sometimes bear success. Most players need to progress. I would say especially halves.

Who was the last half that went from school to NRL without playing and playing well at a lower level?

Milford

 

[Cult]

Technically Hoffman was our full back and other clubs would certainly put their fullback into 5/8 if they had to.

Anthony Milford- Yeah he could play five-eight
Sam Perrett- Not a chance
Michael Morgan- Was a half first
Will Zillman- Nope
Brett Stewart- Nope
Billy Slater- Could probably do it, but guess what? They bought Ben Roberts and still brought in Ben Hampton, who is a young player who doesn't seem ready.
Darius Boyd- I doubt it
Jarryd Hayne- Tried it, did it work?
Matt Moylan- Nope
Michael Gordon- Nah
Greg Inglis- Could probably do it but he wouldn't
Josh Dugan- Nope but Sam Williams is totally ready, right?
Anthony Minichiello- Haha
Sam Tomkins- Could do it I guess
James Tedesco- Nah let's bring in a junior instead.

 

[1910]

In broad terms, you are of course correct. One also has to ask the question why are players named in the Broncos NRL squad.

Maybe I am naive, but to me, it means they are considered to have at least enough skills, athleticism and fitness to at least get a go.

Strasser, Cullen, Paia'Aua, Taylor, Nikorima ...

... and if the next 3 games or so, if Hoffman hasn't contributed to any point scoring, either assists or tries, then in my view, alternatives are called for

You've named a hooker, fullback, half, and two injured guys as possible replacements.

 

[1910]

Milford

Played 20's and SG ball for Raiders.

 

[Foordy]

Anthony Milford- Yeah he could play five-eight
Sam Perrett- Not a chance
Michael Morgan- Was a half first
Will Zillman- Nope
Brett Stewart- Nope
Billy Slater- Could probably do it, but guess what? They bought Ben Roberts and still brought in Ben Hampton, who is a young player who doesn't seem ready.
Darius Boyd- I doubt it
Jarryd Hayne- Tried it, did it work?
Matt Moylan- Nope
Michael Gordon- Nah
Greg Inglis- Could probably do it but he wouldn't
Josh Dugan- Nope but Sam Williams is totally ready, right?
Anthony Minichiello- Haha
Sam Tomkins- Could do it I guess
James Tedesco- Nah let's bring in a junior instead.

GI has played a full season at 5/8

 

[Ari Gold]

Technically Hoffman was our full back and other clubs would certainly put their fullback into 5/8 if they had to.

Not really. Hoffman was our 2013 fullback, but was never our 2014 fullback. If Kahu were fit Barba would still have been fullback.

 

[Cult]

So according to some people on here you just have to be over 20 to play for the Broncos nowadays. Hoffman is not playing like a five-eight and is in turn stifling our attack and anybody who can pass and kick a ball would be more "ready" to be an NRL grade five-eight over him.

 

[Porthoz]

She was getting too sore mate. That won't be a problem with port

You're right, she was sick and tired of wearing the strap-on, it was giving her rope burn and bruises.
Definitely no need for that with me...

Back on topic and as to whom BP... any halve capable of doing what Hoffman can't: passing and kicking.

I'll even go one further, if you want someone to just do the job Hoffman is doing, put Gillett in there and he will do it better I'm sure.

 

[Cult]

GI has played a full season at 5/8

OK cool. But he wouldn't move there now. So 4 teams would play their fullback to 6 instead of 3.

 

[1910]

So according to some people on here you just have to be over 20 to play for the Broncos nowadays. Hoffman is not playing like a five-eight and is in turn stifling our attack and anybody who can pass and kick a ball would be more "ready" to be an NRL grade five-eight over him.

Age has nothing to do with it. You need to be physically and skill ready.

Through the Broncos' history players were only picked when ready, halves always started off with some bench time first and drip fed into A Grade. Lockyer and Walker both started on the bench in the same game. Kevvie was out and they still didn't get rushed.

 

[Big Pete]

It really speaks volumes that none of you are confident enough to put your stakes behind one player.

That isn't good enough to play first grade. You've got to earn it.

 

[Ari Gold]

Age has nothing to do with it. You need to be physically and skill ready.

Despite his age, Hoffman still isn't skill ready for the five eight position.

 

[Porthoz]

Played 20's and SG ball for Raiders.

Isn't that pretty much the same level as the Holden cup?

 

[Cult]

It really speaks volumes that none of you are confident enough to put your stakes behind one player.

That isn't good enough to play first grade. You've got to earn it.

Does it also speak volumes that a lot of us aren't confident enough to put our stakes behind the current option, Josh Hoffman?

 

[Cult]

And also, I definitely think Strasser or Nikorima deserved it. Maybe Nikorima isn't playing his best now because he was told the better option would get the job, he was the better option and they chose a winger.

 

[Foordy]

And also, I definitely think Strasser or Nikorima deserved it. Maybe Nikorima isn't playing his best now because he was told the better option would get the job, he was the better option and they chose a winger.

Nikorima can't even start as a half in the NYC... they have moved him to fullback. so if you can't start as half in the NYC then you certainly can't be a half in the NRL