JOSH Hoffman has staved off a challenge from Queensland Origin star Justin Hodges to clinch the Broncos' No.1 jumper for the club's premiership opener against Manly. The Courier-Mail can reveal Hoffman will be given first crack at the fullback spot, with the New Zealand Test custodian expected to launch his 2013 campaign in Brisbane's second trial against the Titans on February 16.
The battle for the coveted No.1 jumper intensified in November when Hodges, a three-quarter fixture on Brisbane's right side, made the surprise admission he was eyeing a possible switch to the backfield this season.
Hoffman's iron-clad grip on the fullback spot slipped on the eve of last year's finals when the hard-running Kiwi was axed by coach Anthony Griffin for arriving late to training.
As part of his penance, Hoffman made his return via the wing.
But an impressive pre-season has convinced Griffin to install the Mackay junior as his first-choice fullback for 2013.The Broncos coach has not, however, ruled out deploying Hodges at fullback in a clear sign Hoffman cannot afford the disciplinary lapse that temporarily cost him an NRL spot last season.
"He is training well Josh, he will get an opportunity to trial at fullback," Griffin said.
"He has trained well in the off-season like everyone has.
"He has got himself into good shape so it will be good to see how he goes in the trials."
Hoffman recently admitted that he finished last season feeling "fat and sluggish" and that Hodges' interest in moving to fullback had blindsided him.
"He kept it quiet actually," Hoffman said of Hodges' desire to wear the No.1 jumper.
"It came out in the paper and I thought 'wow, I need to go hard'.
