Josh Hoffman at Fullback

[Big Pete]

So do we all agree it's too late in the season to tinker with our fullback? Especially when we have so many absentees in the backs?

Cool? Cool.

So the conversation becomes, how much time do we give Hoffy to improve before we consider going with a different fullback?

I don't think we really have anyone better at the club heading into 2013. Maranta has essentially been a utility back at Norths & hasn't been able to develop a fairly good NYC career at the back, Copley was always pretty hopeless back there & Kahu has never really had much of an opportunity to show what he's capable at the back...and that was two knee recos ago.

I don't think any of the NYC boys are ready either.

I trust that Hoffman will come good and he'll be there for a few more seasons yet.

 

[Coxy]

I think there's no doubt that Hoffman can develop in the areas he needs to improve. Hopefully he can have a good offseason and work on it.

 

[user_nat]

I don't think he will, but I wouldn't be upset if Hoffman got a week off for that hit on Bailey.

 

[Bucking Beads]

Hoffman better not get suspended for that ffs. Gee up

 

[simmo77]

Hoffman was told to make a fist of it at fullback and didn't quite understand.

 

[The Brizz]

Hoffman could not possibly have a smaller brain.

 

[MrMoore]

Honestly hope he gets atleast 2 weeks, see if beale can show hoffman how to play fullback, its not all about catching balls and puching people in the face.

 

[Fozz]

He does have the skills but doesn't seem to know when to apply them at the moment. He seems to have low confidence and is a indecisive in attack. I think if he stops over thinking, he might start to play a lot better.

 

[Bucking Beads]

He does have the skills but doesn't seem to know when to apply them at the moment. He seems to have low confidence and is a indecisive in attack. I think if he stops over thinking, he might start to play a lot better.

His attacking skills were ok in recent seasons but seem to be non existent this year

 

[Broncos1995]

My Biggest problem with Hoffman is that he dosen't back up if he did that he'd more of a devestating player.

 

[BRC088]

Maybe the bronco's could play all the times Slater slid into people in the head and not even sited.

 

[Black Philip]

Maybe the bronco's could play all the times Slater slid into people in the head and not even sited.

I believe the incidents you refer to happened before the rule banning that came into effect.

 

[vertigo]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...hift-to-fullback/story-e6frep5x-1226514291866

INSPIRED by a breakout season from superstar Greg Inglis, Brisbane Test centre Justin Hodges is keen to move to fullback to help end the Broncos' title drought in 2013.

Hodges revealed he was so keen to get an opportunity to play fullback next season that he'd actually begun preseason training a few weeks earlier than his teammates, knowing he would need to increase his aerobic fitness to become a constant attacking menace for the Broncos.

The 30-year-old gamebreaker's desire to become more involved is proof that the Broncos are still looking for that X-factor required to win a title after Anthony Griffin added veteran halfback Scott Prince to his squad two weeks ago.

And Hodges believes a move to fullback, the position he played in the Broncos' 2006 triumph, could be the catalyst to a title charge, with the fires still burning strongly following a 2012 fadeout.

"I've always played fullback when I was younger and it was something I always enjoyed," Hodges said.

"You get to pop up wherever you want and you get more free rein than when out in the centres where you're sort of limited to the right side.

"That is why I started a bit early, to try and get a bit fitter and hopefully I will get a chance. Last year was a big disappointment, we started well but finished so poorly and obviously there's still a lot fire burning about so I wanted to get back and start early, get fit and get ready to go next year."

Griffin was pleased to see Hodges ripping into his training earlier than anticipated. The Broncos are hopeful their strike weapon can complete another full summer program to fire on all cylinders next season.

The desire of Hodges to get a crack at fullback offers a selection dilemma, with Josh Hoffman the incumbent Kiwi Test fullback and Corey Norman another who spent time at No.1.

He'd be way more effective at fullback in my opinion, gives Copley a shot at centre too.

 

[Ari Gold]

Hmm, not sure if Hodges has the speed to be a good fullback in defence but regardless I have to admire his dedication and commitment in trying to make it happen. Honestly haven't associated Hodges with hard working so at the very least it's nice to see his desire to become a more effective player to help the team.

 

[pennywisealfie]

he more than deserves a go at it, won a premiership with him there, worked his ass off last season.

 

[Bucking Beads]

Would love for it to happen but does he know how often he gets injured?

 

[Big Pete]

It could be a great move but I have a couple of concerns starting with Hodges.

The guy has suffered so many injuries through out his career I wonder whether he'd be able to handle the work-load required to be a 'good' fullback and whether he'd be good positionally or defensively. He had a great stint back there in 06 which proved to be the catalyst for premiership success but even then he had issues which is why he was shifted for Hunt a couple of times during that period. 6 years on with a stack of lower body injuries and I'm beginning to have my doubts he'd be able to have more than just a desperate 10 minute cameo that got tongues wagging.

Also, would it suit our team? I suppose Copley could fill in for Hodges on the right with Hoffman shifting on the wing but that leaves the depth mighty skinny out wide.

It's certainly a positive article and it's assuring to hear that Hodgo has been going over and beyond to arrest the slide that proved to be a reality check for all involved at the Broncos.

 

[Mister Wright]

I'm a little hungover this morning, but this news has pirked me right up.

*is pirked a word?