- Joined
- Jul 13, 2011
- Messages
- 1,889
- Reaction score
- 3,196
JOSH Hoffman’s career at the Broncos is all but over with incoming coach Wayne Bennett giving the Kiwi Test star permission to negotiate with rival clubs.
While making it clear he was not axing Hoffman, Bennett told his management the utility is free to look around because he cannot guarantee him the fullback spot next season.
Hoffman is contracted until the end of next season and could feasibly stay at Red Hill to fight for the No.1 jumper, but the Mackay product is expected to quit the Broncos in coming weeks.
Josh Hoffman pushes away from a tackle.
Josh Hoffman pushes away from a tackle.
The 26-year-old has a number of clubs ready to pounce, with Canberra coach Ricky Stuart ready to table a deal worth in excess of $600,000 a season.
The Warriors and Bulldogs are also interested in Hoffman, who was denied a release just nine months ago by former Broncos coach Anthony Griffin.
Broncos boss Paul White said Hoffman is free to explore other options as the club ramps-up plans to secure Queensland Origin fullback Darius Boyd.
Josh Hoffman is tackled by the Bulldogs defence.
Josh Hoffman is tackled by the Bulldogs defence.
“In fairness to Josh and Catalyst Sports Management, we feel we need to give him the opportunity to explore offers he may or may not receive from other clubs,” White said.
“As Josh’s preferred position is fullback, the Broncos are happy to work with his management to allow this process to take place.
“The Broncos have signalled its intention to bring Darius Boyd back to the club, but must stress that no deal has been done in this regard.
“If Josh and his management are unable to source a more suitable outcome, the Broncos will be pleased to honour his playing contact for the 2015 season.”
Josh Hoffman at Broncos training.
Josh Hoffman at Broncos training.
Hoffman’s manager Paul Hogan said the veteran of 109 NRL games appreciated Bennett’s stance.
“Josh is very relaxed about this, he’s not angry or disappointed at all,” he said.
“Wayne Bennett and the Broncos have been great about this, we’ve had good dialogue and they have very transparent about his future moving forward, which gives us a chance to sort out his future.
“Josh loves the Broncos and would love to finish his career there, but fullback is his preferred spot and we’ll talk to interested parties in the coming days and weeks.”
Josh Hoffman at Brisbane training.
Josh Hoffman at Brisbane training.
Last month, Hoffman, whose Broncos deal is worth around $250,000 annually, revealed he was considering testing his value on the open market.
“I’m 26 now and I’m not getting any younger,’’ he said.
‘‘I have a young family and you don’t have long in the game.’’
So are we still interested or have stopped all talks with hoff?
While making it clear he was not axing Hoffman, Bennett told his management the utility is free to look around because he cannot guarantee him the fullback spot next season.
Hoffman is contracted until the end of next season and could feasibly stay at Red Hill to fight for the No.1 jumper, but the Mackay product is expected to quit the Broncos in coming weeks.
Josh Hoffman pushes away from a tackle.
Josh Hoffman pushes away from a tackle.
The 26-year-old has a number of clubs ready to pounce, with Canberra coach Ricky Stuart ready to table a deal worth in excess of $600,000 a season.
The Warriors and Bulldogs are also interested in Hoffman, who was denied a release just nine months ago by former Broncos coach Anthony Griffin.
Broncos boss Paul White said Hoffman is free to explore other options as the club ramps-up plans to secure Queensland Origin fullback Darius Boyd.
Josh Hoffman is tackled by the Bulldogs defence.
Josh Hoffman is tackled by the Bulldogs defence.
“In fairness to Josh and Catalyst Sports Management, we feel we need to give him the opportunity to explore offers he may or may not receive from other clubs,” White said.
“As Josh’s preferred position is fullback, the Broncos are happy to work with his management to allow this process to take place.
“The Broncos have signalled its intention to bring Darius Boyd back to the club, but must stress that no deal has been done in this regard.
“If Josh and his management are unable to source a more suitable outcome, the Broncos will be pleased to honour his playing contact for the 2015 season.”
Josh Hoffman at Broncos training.
Josh Hoffman at Broncos training.
Hoffman’s manager Paul Hogan said the veteran of 109 NRL games appreciated Bennett’s stance.
“Josh is very relaxed about this, he’s not angry or disappointed at all,” he said.
“Wayne Bennett and the Broncos have been great about this, we’ve had good dialogue and they have very transparent about his future moving forward, which gives us a chance to sort out his future.
“Josh loves the Broncos and would love to finish his career there, but fullback is his preferred spot and we’ll talk to interested parties in the coming days and weeks.”
Josh Hoffman at Brisbane training.
Josh Hoffman at Brisbane training.
Last month, Hoffman, whose Broncos deal is worth around $250,000 annually, revealed he was considering testing his value on the open market.
“I’m 26 now and I’m not getting any younger,’’ he said.
‘‘I have a young family and you don’t have long in the game.’’
So are we still interested or have stopped all talks with hoff?
