HOFFMAN BOOST FOR TITLE PUSH

KIWI international Josh Hoffman appears destined to join Townsville Blackhawks in their hunt for a maiden Queensland Cup title in 2020.

Hoffman has been hunting for a house in the Townsville region, and it is understood he could join the Blackhawks within the next fortnight.

It will come as another major boost for the Townsville club following the signature of fellow former NRL first grader Pat Kaufusi during the week.

Blackhawks football operations manager Adrian Thomson confirmed the club had scouted Hoffman as a potential signing since October but had yet to secure his signature.

It is understood a verbal agreement is in place between the club and player.

“Everything is pointing the way that he will join the club, but we know in rugby league anything can happen,” Thomson said.

“We want all of our players to get further opportunities with NRL clubs and we understand that could still be a possibility with Josh.

“It is the same with Pat (Kaufusi). We have said to their management from the start we were happy to wait, if they don’t get an NRL gig then great.”

Hoffman is understood to have turned down a contract offer from Parramatta after playing 10 games for the club last season.

Hoffman has proven his ability to play in all positions across the backline over a 12-year NRL career with the Broncos, Titans and Eels.

He made 13 appearances for Eels feeder club Wentworthville Magpies — scoring seven tries — and captained the black and whites in the Canterbury Cup grand final against Newtown.

He was a key cog in the Magpies’ against-the-odds run through the finals after finishing the season in eighth position.

Hoffman has also scored two tries in five appearances at fullback for the New Zealand international side in 2012-13.