https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/local-sport/nrl-drive-still-alive-for-townsville-blackhawks-latest-star-recruit/news-story/2dc39833a1265fee2e2ebc6126e5361e THERE is still a determined drive in Josh Hoffman to return to the NRL. But there are some things more important than football for the 31-year-old, which ultimately fuelled his decision to sign with the Townsville Blackhawks. The former Parramatta Eels utility back had been in discussions to re-sign with the Sydney club for the 2020 season. But as the father of two young daughters, Mackay-born Hoffman said he needed to focus on life after his rugby league career. And with his family’s future in mind, should his form warrant an NRL call up, the North Queensland Cowboys could be the only possible beneficiary. “It was a long decision, I had to sit down with my wife and decide what would be a good decision for myself and family,” Hoffman said.
“I still have that burning desire to play first grade, and if there is an opportunity with the Cowboys I’ll be happy to take that opportunity. “That’s what everyone is striving for and wants to do – to make it in the NRL. For me it’s proving to myself I still have the ability to make it in the NRL. “That would probably be the ideal situation, but if it didn’t happen I’m in a good position here. “The best thing for us was to come up here and be back up north and closer to family, that’s something I’m really big on.” Hoffman’s wealth of experience will be a rare commodity for the Blackhawks, one not often afforded to most Intrust Super Cup outfits. A 189-game NRL veteran with the Eels, Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans to go with five international caps with New Zealand, Hoffman has covered just about every position in the backline. But he sees himself predominantly as a fullback and, returning to North Queensland with such a range of experiences, a leader in the Blackhawks’ set up. With several young backs, such as Michael Bell and Samuel Martin-Savage in the Townsville squad, Hoffman said his knowledge could be an important cog in the team’s pursuit of the 2020 title. “I guess playing a number of NRL games and bringing that experience, I’m just looking to come up here and talk with my actions and prove to myself I’ve still got a few more years in me,” he said. “I’ve been around to a few clubs now and got to see some of the fullbacks evolving into today’s game. “The game is always getting faster, it’s always progressing and fullbacks are a lot busier. “I’m not getting any younger but I’m a lot smarter, so getting to watch certain fullbacks and how they play I think is something I’ll have an advantage in.” Hoffman met his new coach, and former opponent, Aaron Payne yesterday and will begin training this week.
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May 2020
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