Josh Hoffman has submitted a fresh request to leave the Brisbane Broncos
Peter Badel
The Sunday Mail (Qld)
February 15, 2014 10:00PM
JOSH Hoffmans career at Brisbane has reached crisis point with the Kiwi Test star submitting a fresh request for an immediate release from the Broncos.
And Bulldogs chief executive Raelene Castle yesterday revealed Canterbury remain very interested in Hoffman as coach Des Hasler ramps up his pursuit of the disgruntled Bronco.
The Sunday Mail can reveal Hoffman has formally asked for permission to leave Brisbane after a tense exchange with coach Anthony Griffin just after Christmas.
But Broncos hierarchy are playing hardball, with Brisbane boss Paul White insisting Hoffman will remain at Red Hill despite Canterburys willingness to broker a release.
The Bulldogs facilitated Ben Barbas seamless transition to the Broncos by accepting a transfer fee last August and Canterbury were hoping Brisbane would reciprocate by releasing Hoffman.
But with the Broncos digging their heels in, Hoffman faces the prospect of seeing out his current deal, which expires at the end of 2015.
Relations soured over summer when Broncos officialdom witnessed photos of Hoffman posing with New Zealands contingent of Canterbury stars during the World Cup in November.
Griffin was understandably miffed and phoned Hoffman to discuss several matters, including his close alignment to Bulldogs players.
It is understood Hoffman was left shaken by the conversation. When he returned for pre-season, Hoffman met Griffin face-to-face and asked him for a release. His manager Paul Hogan has since re-iterated that stance, conveying Hoffmans grievances to White.
Sources claim Griffin told Hoffman he was keen for him to stay, but wouldnt stand in his way if White and Castle could thrash out a severance package.
Desperate for a fullback, the Bulldogs are ready to formally table a multi-year deal, but the Broncos are determined for Hoffman to honour his contract.
Hoffman turned out at the NRL Nines yesterday and has maintained a professional attitude at training, but privately believes he needs a fresh start at the Bulldogs.
Hogan declined to comment yesterday, saying he had agreed not to discuss Hoffmans situation publicly after meeting with Broncos management.
Castle said the Bulldogs have not given up hope of securing Hoffman should the Broncos relax their stance with the 25-year-old.
We are obviously in need of a fullback and we rate Josh very highly, she said.
We would be very interested in him, but he has a contract and we have always been respectful of that process.
I dont think it (Hoffman joining the Bulldogs) is going to happen in the short-term so I think there are still some hurdles to get through.
The Bulldogs have a good relationship with the Broncos and if their circumstances change, then we would certainly come to an arrangement with the Broncos.
We would have a strong interest in Josh continuing his career at the Bulldogs.
Brisbane operations chief Andrew Gee says Hoffman has not asked for a release and has a harmonious working relationship with Griffin.
Josh is happy here, Gee said.
There is no issue with Anthony Griffin. Anyone who has seen Josh train over the pre-season will tell you hes in a good headspace.
White said he is determined for the Mackay product to succeed at the Broncos. The first serious ruction came last March, when Hoffman was shifted to the wing to accommodate Corey Norman, who has since joined Parramatta, at fullback.
Hes got two years to go on a contract. Hes training well, White said.
A lot has been written, but that is in the past.
I havent spoken to the coach but Josh will get opportunities here to improve himself.
What I would like to say about Hoffy is I have a lot of respect for him as a person and player and we want to see him do his best for this club.
Everything Ive seen from him is that he is committed.
New Broncos co-captain Corey Parker is hopeful Hoffman does not end up at Belmore.
That (rumours of Hoffman leaving) grew a lot of momentum during the World Cup overseas, he said.
But since weve been back training, Hoffy has been one of those guys who makes the day a lot more fun that it is.
Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin has questioned Josh Hoffman about his close alignment to Bulldogs players.
Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin has questioned Josh Hoffman about his close alignment to Bulldogs players. Source: Supplied
He is having the time of his life. He is good mates with Benny Barba and they are rooming together here in Auckland, Im expecting some big things from those two over the next two days.
I dont want to get too much into the Josh leaving saga. For me, he is with us and I dont expect to see him anywhere else.
