Milford, Barba could end my dream

Josh Hoffman in action for the Brisbane Broncos. Source: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

REBORN No.1 Josh Hoffman has revealed he'd be "disappointed" if the Broncos sign Ben Barba or Anthony Milford, and admitted any deal could shatter his dream of being a one-club man.

Signed until the end of 2015, the 25-year-old said while the prize capture of either of the dynamic fullbacks may drive his game to new heights, it could also deliver the same gut-wrenching low he experienced earlier this season. 

The New Zealand Test star is back in his favourite custodian role for Friday night's Suncorp Stadium clash with Parramatta.

But he spent the first 18 rounds at wing or centre after Eels-bound Corey Norman was preferred at the back pre-season.

Hoffman may again play second fiddle if, as expected, the Bulldogs and Raiders ultimately let the talented Queensland duo return to Brisbane for personal reasons in 2014. 

"I'd be a bit disappointed, but I was disappointed this year when Corey got the fullback spot," he said.

"It would leave me in the same position as the start of the year. But I'm trying not to think too far ahead.

"It just shows that you have to take your chances with two hands. We'll see what happens in the years to come.

"Hopefully I can finish my season off consistently and come pre-season I'll let my actions do the talking and we'll get to see who wears that jersey. 

"If they do come and get that No.1 jersey I'll have to do the same thing I did this year and put my head down and get the work done. 

"When great players like those two challenge for your spot it makes you hungry to want to keep the jersey."

Hoffman has recently been linked with the Queensland Reds, a move that could appear more appealing if he feels he's destined for a life on the flank. 

"I've got a couple of years left (on my contract) and hopefully I can be a one-club player," he said.

"But it's a long career and you can only wait and see what happens."

Hoffman's manager Paul Hogan would not rule out his client signing with an NRL rival after his current deal should Barba or Milford arrive at Red Hill. 

"He's very happy with how things are going and is very settled in Brisbane," he said.

"But if circumstances change and we'll wait and see how that impacts Josh, all things under the sun are possible."

Much will be expected of the vastly-improved Hoffman against the Eels.

He leads the Broncos' try-scoring with 14 — twice the tally of Matt Gillett — and will take on added burden in the absence of match-winner Justin Hodges, who had been used in a lethal fullback combo with Hoffman before his achilles injury. 

"Hodgo was at top form this year and he brought that X-factor," he said.

"It's only been the last few rounds that Hook gave him license to roam around and show what he could do from the back. We're going to be missing that now. 

"The boys now have to take that on board and I'll be trying to do my part to bring that X-factor.

"Hook has given me that license to roam around and try to add different things to my game."

This week's Close the Gap round will have added meaning for Mackay-born Hoffman, whose father is from New Zealand and late mother was of Torres Strait Islander background. 

For the first time the Broncos will wear a commemorative Indigenous jersey tomorrow night.

"I'm honoured and privileged to be able to wear the jersey of our people," he said.

"It means a lot for guys like Sam Thaiday and Scotty Prince as well." 

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