The arrival of Ben Barba does not ensure the departure of in-form Brisbane fullback Josh Hoffman, Broncos CEO Paul White insists.
Hoffman may be Barba’s cousin but he would have been forgiven for not looking forward to a family reunion at Brisbane next year.
Hoffman has been the shining light in a largely disappointing NRL season for the 13th-placed Brisbane but he will make way for Barba at fullback when the Dally M Medallist starts his new three-year deal at Red Hill next season.
However, White insisted Kiwi international Hoffman – who is contracted until the end of 2015 – was still considered a valuable asset at the club.
Asked if the Broncos still wanted Hoffman, White said: “Most definitely.
“The coach (Anthony Griffin) has spoken to Hoffy as he would with an announcement like today.
“The great thing about Josh is that he has played on the wing, in the centres and also at fullback for us.
“He has proven to be a highly versatile player.
“The strength of this club has been over history the competition for spots. No one is guaranteed a position in our club and that’s what will make us strong and healthy.”
Hoffman has been in devastating form since being switched from wing to fullback a month ago, keeping alive Brisbane’s faint finals hopes.
However, he will reportedly be considered for the five-eighth role next year – a position that will be available following veteran Scott Prince’s announcement this week that he will retire at season’s end.
But it will depend on whether Broncos snap up Canberra’s Anthony Milford, who has asked for a release on compassionate grounds following the failing health of his Brisbane-based father.
White said Brisbane were no closer to icing a deal with Milford.
“We have zero contact with Anthony or his manager while he is contracted to the Raiders,” he said.
However, White hoped Barba’s signing would encourage players to link with the Broncos.
“I have no doubt that at his best, he is a player people will want to watch and I think he will be an attraction for not only (prospective) players but also members and supporters of the club,” he said.
But White was not counting on Barba to deliver a premiership.
“You can’t pin your premiership hopes on a single player,” he said.
“It is going to require a team of 25, all our off-field staff and the commitment of the whole club to win a premiership.”
