NRL: Franchise eyes bringing Hoffman in as centre option

Josh Hoffman (right) walks with Shaun Johnson. File photo / Brett Phibbs

The Warriors are interested in signing Brisbane Broncos and Kiwis international Josh Hoffman but not as a fullback.

Hoffman is contracted to the Broncos for 2015 but his future at the club remains uncertain after returning coach Wayne Bennett made it clear Darius Boyd would be his preferred No1, should he follow him north from the Newcastle Knights.

Hoffman's player agent Paul Hogan confirmed yesterday that the Warriors were one of several NRL clubs making inquiries about the backline utility but with an eye to playing him in the centres.

"The Warriors have expressed some sort of interest but not necessarily as a fullback," Hogan explained.

"More as a centre option probably but there's always that fact that he's interchangeable with fullback and a few other positions. But there's obviously a lot of other clubs in Australia that are looking at him as well."

Hogan expects to meet Bennett later this week to clarify Hoffman's role for 2015.

"That's where we're at at the moment. We can't go anywhere until we meet with Wayne Bennett and we work out what's happening next season and beyond.

"We'll consider all the offers after that and we'll look at where to go," he said

Early speculation about Hoffman joining the Warriors suggested it would mean a move to five-eighths for current fullback Sam Tomkins. However, centre has remained a troublesome position and the club has struggled to find the ideal midfield partner for Konrad Hurrell.

The Warriors have already signed former Canberra Raiders centre Matt Allwood for next season on a three-year deal, and are considered front-runners to sign restless Manly midfielder Steve Matai, whose playing future with the Sea Eagles remains uncertain.