Though his signature is yet to be officially confirmed by the Parramatta Club, you can lock in Josh Hoffman as the latest addition to an already impressive Eels roster. The talented and versatile outside back will be joining the blue and golds on a three year deal and will add strike power to a backline bristling with potency. We welcome Josh Hoffman to the Eels and begin our look into 2017 with his profile.
Experience
Boasting 158 NRL appearances, 109 with the Broncos and 49 with the Titans, Hoffman will be one of the senior players in the Eels line-up. His guidance and presence should be valuable alongside the relative inexperience of French and Gutherson. Turning 29 years of age in March, his first grade debut dates back to 2008. During this time he has played alongside some of the Broncos finest, including Lockyer and Hodges. Few players would rack up over 100 first grade games with Brisbane without acquiring both the skill set and the mental fortitude of a winner.
Hoffman in his Broncos days.
Hoffman was no passenger during his time in a Broncos jersey, but rather a star in his own right. Taking out the prestigious Paul Morgan Award as the Broncos best and fairest, he stamped himself as a player of quality in a star-studded outfit. The demand for his services saw the Bulldogs bid for his signature and ultimately the Titans successfully threw their hat into ring and secured Hoffman for the 2015 season. After spending the last two seasons with the Titans, he joins the Eels for what may turn out to be the final contract of his NRL career.
A Proud Heritage
With a Maori father and Torres Strait Islander mother, Hoffman has a unique heritage which has afforded him the opportunity to represent both the Kiwis and the Indigenous All Stars. After injury robbed him of a potential Test debut in 2011, Hoffman won the New Zealand fullback jersey in the Anzac Test of 2012. Unfortunate timing with injuries has since limited his International appearances to 5 in total.
In 2015, Hoffman represented the Indigenous All Stars on the wing in their convincing victory over the NRL All Stars. For a player who grew up in Queensland and made the decision to forgo State of Origin for a New Zealand jersey, it was both a worthy recognition of his talent and an acknowledgement of his indigenous heritage.
His Best Position
Hoffman has certainly gone on record as stating that his preferred position is fullback. Yet circumstances have often conspired to see him take the field in all backline positions bar halfback. This demonstration of versatility has been in evidence virtually since his debut
Versatility can be both a blessing and a curse. On a personal level it might prevent a player such as Hoffman from locking down a preferred position. At the team level it, makes a player a valuable commodity who can cover a number of positions during times of injury crisis. Certainly, Hoffman has been able to make his mark across two clubs and with the Eels it will make three.
So where does his future lie at the Eels?
The obvious response would be that Hoffman has been bought as a winger. It is the major vacancy in the Eels backline and this talented finisher appears to fit the bill perfectly. But herein lies a conundrum for Brad Arthur. Watch any highlights reel for Hoffman and you’ll witness a plethora of tries on the left wing. Yes the left wing. Does that sound familiar?
The Eels have a pretty handy left winger named Semi Radradra. You might ask yourself whether the side of the field would make any difference. Maybe it mightn’t. However, Hoffman possesses a great left step and a strong left hand grip, both of which have proved beneficial in notching up some spectacular tries. I still think he’ll play left wing, but this clash of preferred side for our wingers could make for intriguing selection decisions.
On the burst for the Titans.
His Strengths
Certainly Hoffman has earned his stripes as a strong carrier of the ball. Billed at a surprisingly light 89kg (I would think he’s carrying a bit more bulk than that), he has the right combination of pace and strength to be able to bust or bend the line. I’ve already referenced his left foot step which is as good as any in the game. Likewise he also possesses the ball skills to be able to play closer to the ball, as evidenced by his selection at five-eighth and centre. We already have a similarly versatile player in Gutherson, but it removes the pressure on Gutho for Parra to be able to call on another player to fill any void created by injury.
Something that stands out in my mind is the quality of Hoffman’s defence. Over the years, he’s cut down many an opposing player with a well executed tackle, with certain efforts proving to be crucial moments in matches. Whether it’s been on club or representative duties, his defence alone has been worthy of a highlights package.
A Final Word
Hoffman virtually completes the picture for what will be an incredibly impressive backline for the Eels in 2017. Already blessed with an abundance of pace in the ranks, Parramatta have been incredibly astute in adding Hoffman to the squad.
Yet after contemplating the skills that he brings to the team, I’d have to acknowledge that his greatest strength lies in his wealth of experience. He’s unlikely to be overawed by any occasion and he will be the perfect team mate for both French and Gutherson. Bring on 2017!
Eels forever!
Sixties
Good stuff. As you say, he is experienced, including in big games. He is also very durable.
By the way that was me
Cheers Pou. An experienced player who’s foundation years were with a strong club.
I like his addition to the squad for all the reasons that you suggest. Are you hinting at a switch for Semi to the right? I don’t mind coaches who challenge players to adjust to new positions on the field, within reason. I guess the pre-season is the best time to tinker with set mindsets and old habits.
I’m not sure what will happen. Just making an observation – at this stage!
Well, whatever happens, I just hope that the club can re-sign Semi. The rate of improvement in his game has been astonishing. Is there anything that the man can’t do? The way he lined up that shot for goal against the Warriors was quite unexpected, and a real joy to watch. I mean, the crossing of his arms, and his intense concentration, had me thinking that he might turn into the Wolverine – or maybe he was invoking divine protection: the man does have the X-factor!
As for Hoffman, I’ve always felt him to be a fearless runner of the ball who puts his body on the line time and time again; and in a collision sport, this is what you want from your players. Thus, I’m sure that his toughness, and his versatility, will serve the team well.
His kicking didn’t surprise TCT as Forty and I watched him practise at the captains run. I commented to Forty about the great shape of his kicks.
I’m confident about Semi extending. Then again, I’ve been wrong before!
Sixties I cannot wait for the new year to read the comments of the TCT crew, you boys are going to have a ball watching our new and exciting line up take shape and I cannot wait to read them.Great write up as per the usual mate, see you soon, Joe BRIFFA
Cheers Borgie! I reckon we’ve assembled a line up that is at least the equal of the team that started the 2016 season.
Thanks 60’s
I’ve always liked Hoffman, he’s alway given the teams he’s played in more credibility. I’m Eagerly anticipating how the team will come together.
It’s looking strong Jack. And I reckon Gutho will excel with a full pre-season at 5/8.
60’s thanks for a very good report and insight into Hoffman. It certainly highlights a player that is versatile, and he did have a fair turn of speed as well.
For me its an interesting signing as he has said his prefered position was at fullback, and when at the bronc’e he was shifted from that spot when a fellow called Corey Norman was switched to that spot, think Corey moved away from the Broncs as he did not want to play there though. So the two will be re-united next year.
Its going to be intriguing to see where he will play, certainly I see his signing was specifically to fill a wing spot, and wonder which side he played on, I think Mead was more a right winger, but again he played down the left side a bit as well. Initially I thought he would fill the troublesome 5 spot but I am actually thinking that Hoffman may also be insurance in case we lose Semi. which I certainly hope we don’t.
That said there is still some mutterings about Semi heading across the border, with November 1 signalling open season for off contract player at end of 2017, it will mean some of our players may well be very much targeted such Ma’u, Tepai to name two, but it also includes Semi. While we all want to see Semi stay, there is a big move for him to move north and said to already be a done deal, unless he can be persuaded to stay, and that includes him wanting to stay along with the money, then it means the left side may well be vacant as well.
Manu is staying so relax there. I’m hearing that Semi is keen to extend. We’ll see soon enough.
Mate that sounds good on both counts. Not many pieces left for the puzzle to be complete.
Firstly what I like about this signing is that he brings a lot of experience (158 NRL appearances) to the team. As I have stated here a number of times before I am a huge believer in experience.
He is versatile player and can cover anywhere in the backline basically. This will leave Gutherson to concentrate on being a half and not a utility, that pleases me.
Also getting a 3 year contract will enable him to settle into the team with comfort and feel that he is an integral part of the group. Not sure that he felt that at the Broncos or even the Titans as soon as Hayne was signed.
Sixties your language was very canny in the way you threw in the bit about him playing left side wing. I believe that you know a lot more than you are letting on. I also respect that you do not pass on information publicly that is confidentially given to you.
Ha, cheers John. Yes there are plenty of times I can’t and won’t let on certain things. In this instance I am genuinely putting it out there without an answer.
I cannot add anything more to this, expect to say I have been a supporter of this guy for a while. He shut down some v good players this year, and no doubt Bennett would’ve liked to have him this season….and he’s got a level head.
Great get.
What a backline mate. A lot of versatility across the backs too.
Does he kick goals…?? Guess anyone can kick, but has he ever..?
I’ve never seen it mate and there’s no goals listed on his records. We’ve got Semi The Radar now! Do you like that? Semi The Radar!
Great read sixties.
Can’t wait for this to be announced. I am however confused as to the continued Ben Hunt rumors. Obviously if we get him someone would need to make way in the backline.
In any case 2017 is looking up for us. I guess it can’t get any lower.
Despite all of the problems off the field in 2016 there was still plenty to take out of the season. The players and the coaching staff were sensational and there was a lot to like about the onfield performance. I like the way that the recruiting is going and look forward to 2017. Also i think there maybe some more recruiting to be announced yet. Just a gut feel.
I’m very happy with our new recruits so far.
Vave, Brown and Hoffman in particular. I am really looking forward to seeing how these blokes go next year and they will have a full pre season with BA and the rest of the boys.
None of them in the top echelon of players which seems to be just how BA likes it. No massive names taking up a large percentage of our cap, just strength across the park and depth.
The entire Foran debacle may turn out to be a blessing in disguise and a lesson for the club in general.
Another great read sixties. A proper football article without malice or gossip.Take note DT. It is rekindling my interest in the game.
It’s interesting 60s that you think Hoffman will play left wing. I have a sneaky suspicion that Radradra will play right centre next year, something that has been pooh poohed by a few on 1EE whenever I mention it..
I’m not suggesting he’ll play there, I’m just pointing out that someone will play away from their usual side.
Whilst I like Semi at wing and he is very dangerous in that position and in my opinion the best in the game. Notwithstanding would Semi be able to play at FB. His running game I think would be well suited to the FB role but I understand that a FB must do a lot more to read the play and call defensive plays.
I guess given that French will be the long term FB we will never know.
Another well informed player profile Sixties.
I must admit though, I don’t believe BA has bought this man to play on either wing. I believe he is a large body who, as you have said is an excellent defender. Hoffman is a great all rounder in the backline. He is a wonderful support player through the center and the edges as he has proven with the Broncos and Titans. He will bring another experienced head into our backline, but I believe he has been brought to the club to play fullback in 2017.
A premiership aspirant needs a strong last line of defence which Bevan French does not possess at this stage of his development. Hoffman wants to play fullback, it was one of the main reasons he chose the Titans after the proximity factor to family and friends when he left the Bronc’s. Bevan French needs more mentoring and time to grow into his body and IMO does not need his big heart putting his little body under immense stress trying to stop blokes who outweigh him by 20 to 30kg, which he will try to do as he has shown since he started playing in the NYC.
With Hoffman at fullback, Gutho in the halves with Corey, Bevan French will have a license to roam and he will pop up all over the paddock from the wing and score more tries than we could hope for.
What BAhas achieved with the backline is a group of players with versatility. Just consider this:
Fullbacks: French, Gutho, Hoffman, Norman, Fogarty
Centres: Taka, Jenko, Gutho, Hoffman
Wing: Semi, French, Hoffman
Halves: Norman, Gutho, Taka, Fogarty
That’s without considering Auva’a (and I’m not sure whether Robbo has re-signed)