Titans Josh Hoffman harbours no grudge against Wayne Bennett after Broncos dumping
FOR many, getting dumped by Wayne Bennett and missing a grand final would be a point of rancour. But Titans fullback Josh Hoffman sees things differently.
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JOSH Hoffman wants to finish his career at the Titans and has praised Wayne Bennett for having the courage to show him the door at the Broncos.
Hoffman’s NRL career was at the crossroads 18 months ago when Bennett told the Kiwi Test utility he was free to join another club.
Rather than being bitter, Hoffman pledged to get better and hopes to remind the Broncos of his value by outpointing centre rival James Roberts in Friday night’s Queensland derby.
Hoffman could have been a member of Brisbane’s grand final team last October but watched the decider as a Titan nursing a knee injury, but said Bennett’s honesty opened refreshing new opportunities at the Gold Coast.
“There’s no malice or ill-feeling towards Wayne or the Broncos at all,” Hoffman said.
“I appreciated the fact Wayne was upfront and honest with me. He was very professional about everything and there were no guarantees for me at the Broncos, so he gave me the opportunity straight away to look around for another club.
“It would have been nice to play in one of the greatest grand finals we’ve seen but I have no regrets. I’ve really settled here at the Titans and I’m very comfortable with my decision.’’
Hoffman’s centre battle with Titans defector Roberts shapes as a compelling duel. Hoffman was initially disappointed at Roberts’ shock departure after his contract forgery drama but is now focused purely on muzzling the Broncos’ speedster.
The former Broncos fullback faces Roberts in slick touch after scoring a try and setting up another against the Tigers a fortnight ago, then running for 117m in Canberra last week.
“James hit his straps after last Friday night’s game (against the Cowboys) so he will be ready to go coming up against his old team,” Hoffman said.
“We’ll be trying to do a job on him because he is very dangerous. He is one of the quickest guys in the NRL and he won the Dally M Centre of the Year last year.
“I was looking forward to see how Tyrone Roberts and James would combine together this year. We trained all pre-season with each other and the club was heading in the right direction.
“Everybody was excited to see what Jimmy was going to do with the Titans, but he has a family to look after and I respect that because I was in the same situation during my time at the Broncos.
“You just do the best you can to provide for your family.’’
Hoffman has just turned 28 and is off contract next season but he is content at the Gold Coast and has no plans to emulate Roberts by walking out.
“I’d love to stay here and hopefully finish my career off at the Titans,” he said. “They are a club moving forward and they have a bright future ahead.
“I’m not the oldest player but you don’t have long in this business given what you put your body through.
“My family loves the Queensland lifestyle and what better way than to finish my career off at the Gold Coast. Hopefully if I’m playing well at the end of the year I can get a new deal.’’
Originally published as Titans Josh Hoffman harbours no grudge against Wayne Bennett after Broncos dumping
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