HOFFMAN’S NRL CAREER BACKFLIP
Former Titan chases deal
NRL veteran Josh Hoffman is on the Titans’ recruitment radar as the Gold Coast look to bolster their backline stocks under coach Justin Holbrook.
As Titans culture chief Mal Meninga ramps up plans to prise Latrell Mitchell from the Roosters, the Gold Coast are looking for more depth, going back to the future by holding preliminary talks with Eels utility back Hoffman.
Hoffman had two seasons at the Titans in 2015-16, playing 49 consecutive games and helping Gold Coast to the finals in 2016 before being offloaded to the Eels to fund the rich deal of Jarryd Hayne.
But with Parramatta battling salary cap pressures, the off-contract Hoffman remains without a home in 2020, opening the door for the Titans to investigate the prospect of an NRL lifeline.
The Titans have one spot left on their full-time roster for next year at a contract value of about $100,000.
Such a figure is not palatable for NSW Origin and Test ace Mitchell, who could not sign with the Titans until 2021, but the basic deal could be acceptable for Hoffman as he fights to resurrect his 11-year career.
Now 31, Hoffman boasts an impressive NRL resume.
He has amassed 189 firstgrade games, played five Tests for New Zealand in 2012-13, and was the youngest player at age 22 to win the prestigious Paul Morgan Medal at the Broncos in 2010.
Hoffman’s manager Paul Hogan said the durable centre, winger or fullback would relish the opportunity to finish his NRL career with a second coming at the Titans.
“Josh would be a good fit for the Titans,” Hogan said.
“The club has recently resigned Phillip Sami and AJ Brimson, and Josh, with his experience, would be a great mentor for their younger players.
“Josh loved his first stint at the Gold Coast.
“He didn’t miss a game in two seasons for the club and he helped the Titans make the finals before he was forced to find another home at Parramatta.
“Being a boy from Mackay, Josh has a great affinity with Queensland and always hoped he could finish his career on home soil.
“Redcliffe brought him down as a 17-year-old and he still owns a house in Brisbane, so Josh would certainly be interested in a return to the Titans.”
The Titans have yet to offer Hoffman a contract, opting to hold informal discussions first in order to gauge his interest.