Hoffman set to play for Kiwis

[Foordy]

THE Kiwis have scored a rare off-field victory over arch rivals Australia ahead of October's Four Nations, with rising Brisbane Broncos star Josh Hoffman set to commit to playing for New Zealand.

The 22-year-old fullback - who is related to league legend Wendell Sailor - was born in Mackay, north Queensland, to New Zealand-born and Whangarei-raised father Shane and mother Grace, of Torres Strait Island descent.

Until now, Hoffman's Kiwi heritage has been a secret.

''I've absolutely given a lot of thought to possibly playing for New Zealand,'' Hoffman said from Brisbane.

''When I was growing up, I'd sit down with dad and watch the All Blacks and the Kiwis play. They'd do the haka and I loved it.

''It used to pump me up so much and it was something I also wished to do, to play for New Zealand and pull on that black jersey.

''In saying that, Origin, as we all know, is one of the pinnacles in rugby league and that would be a good thing to do as well. But my passion, I think, is leaning towards playing for New Zealand.''

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 1240c.html

I didn't even realise that he had Kiwi heritage. unfortunately for us, if he becomes a kiwi rep then when it comes to re-signing him in two years it will become more difficult because he will be an international by then.

 

[lyn]

Hah I beat ya to it by 1 min. [icon_razz1

 

[Foordy]

Hah I beat ya to it by 1 min. [icon_razz1

only because my internet speed has been shaped [eusa_doh

 

[Bucking Beads]

I am glad Hoffy has decided to play for the kiwis, I reckon it favours the Broncos more because we will have him during Origin for sure now.

 

[pennywisealfie]

Good luck to him.

 

[gUt]

This is good news and good on him for following his heart. He can become the absolute superstar some of us saw in him since his debut.

 

[Hatchy]

I wish him all the best in his Kiwi career.

 

[Fozz]

Kiwis always seem to struggle in the fullback area, hopefully Hoff will fix that for a long time to come.

 

[Kimlo]

I see it as a positive, playing origin gives players a lot more exposure and "reputation" than playing for NZ so IMO his wage goes up more if he plays origin. It also means we get him during the origin period every year which is a nice change for one of our better players!

 

[Nashy]

Good for Brisbane or not. It's nice to see someone turn their back on Origin for the Kiwis.

The Haka is pretty fucking rad though.

 

[Foordy]

I see it as a positive, playing origin gives players a lot more exposure and "reputation" than playing for NZ so IMO his wage goes up more if he plays origin. It also means we get him during the origin period every year which is a nice change for one of our better players!

but remember, with Slater at the back for the Maroons, he would be unlikely to play for QLD for a long time. it could be another reason he will choose the kiwis