https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/local-sport/townsville-blackhawks-star-josh-hoffman-is-eager-to-how-he-has-something-to-offer-in-the-nrl/news-story/ab40931d8e0136d594784709b2b195d5 It has been a very different 12 months for Josh Hoffman, but one that has given him a new perspective of the opportunities he had. For the first time in more than a decade, the 32-year-old was not competing in the NRL, instead heading back to North Queensland and signing with the Townsville Blackhawks. His maiden campaign with the club lasted just 10 minutes, making a quick cameo at the end of his side’s win over Ipswich before the pandemic brought the Intrust Super Cup to a halt. Since then, the 189-game NRL veteran has turned to youth work, where his involvement with the students of Thuringowa offering him an insight into our fortunate he was to compete at rugby league’s plateaus. Hoffman said if another shot at first-grade came he would eagerly take it up, however his time working with the Clontarf Foundation had been a unique yet equally rewarding experience. “I guess going to a school like Thuringowa, they have its challenges. You get some kids who come from tough backgrounds and you take it for granted a bit,” he said.
“It’s been a big step from playing footy and doing into a job, but I’m really enjoying it at the moment. “Some kids even struggle just to get to school in the morning; we’re always there as a helping hand to pick them up, and we’re just a bit more of a mentor to the kids. “I myself didn’t have that growing up, especially at school having someone mentoring you and looking after you to make sure you’re on the straight and narrow. “It’s something I’m really enjoying, we did a little bit of it playing in the NRL – going to carnivals and passing the footy with the kids – but this has opened my eyes a lot more.” While he has thrived in the contrasting environment and having more hands on time with his two daughters, Hoffman is awaiting in anticipation for the 2021 season to start. Year 2020 certainly had its challenges, but it came with one blessing for the two-time New Zealand international. Hoffman’s past couple of NRL campaigns were marred by injury, and the extended lay off has freshened his body away from the rigours of day in, day out training. Even as he enters the twilight of his playing days, he sees plenty of value he can offer — not only to the Blackhawks but an NRL system should the opportunity present itself. Cowboys coach Todd Payten has previously said he was on the hunt for an outside back to fill the final hole in his roster, however the acquisition of young gun Kane Bradley has given him greater leeway to explore other options and positions. Regardless, it is not something that has weighed too heavily on Hoffman’s mind. For now, he is determined to prove to Townsville he still has what it takes to compete at the top level and prove to himself he has plenty of value to add on the field. “Leading into this year I want to try and have a big year, see what I can do and prove to myself I can still match it in the NRL,” Hoffman said. “I haven’t been thinking too much about that (an NRL contract), I’m just getting the body ready and thinking about what I have to do at the Blackhawks this year. “Having the year off of footy has definitely given the body a rest.; it’s something the body is really thankful for at the moment. “I’m making sure I can put my best foot forward and lead the boys when we get on the field, that’s my main focus and if we can get to the big dance at the end of the year that’s a big plus. “They say your footy career goes really quickly, and now it has, but I’m just looking forward to getting back on the field.” Hoffman will be lacing up in the Queensland Cup amid a new era for the game, with the statewide competition adopting the NRL’s rule changes — including the six-again ruck infringements. The veteran believes these alterations will place even more of an onus on the outside backs to assist the forwards when it comes to tough carries, and capitalising on the platform laid upfront in the opening exchanges. Capable of playing anywhere in the backline — with a preference for fullback — he said the evolution of rugby league would play into the Blackhawks’ hands. “I think it’s just knowing and having a feel of the game when you need to inject yourself,” Hoffman said. “We’ve got a few experienced boys in the team who know when to get in there and get their hands on the ball. “We’ve got a few outside backs who have a lot of energy, so I’m sure you’ll see them at the 60 minute mark just getting their hands on the ball.”
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