K2G
14-01-15, 10:58 PM
TRAVIS MEYN THE COURIER-MAIL (http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-season-2015-titans-david-mead-not-feeling-threatened-by-competition-from-josh-hoffman/story-fniabrr8-1227184971831?nk=194d6bbf412b968ce5d45df2cad280a0) JANUARY 14, 2015 11:00PM
http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2015/01/14/1227184/973019-0c6c056a-9bbe-11e4-86b2-7ba151851551.jpg
ASPIRING Titans fullback David Mead has welcomed the competition from former New Zealand international Josh Hoffman, which has intensified the tussle for the Gold Coast’s No. 1 jersey.
Mead, Hoffman and incumbent William Zillman are locked in an intriguing battle for the fullback role this year.
Hoffman left Brisbane believing he would be given first crack at the position but coach Neil Henry has said he was yet to make a decision on who would play the pivotal role.
Gold Coast’s two pre-season trial games, against New Zealand and North Queensland, could decide who patrols the back in Round 1 against Wests Tigers.
Rather than feeling threatened by Hoffman, Mead said he was excited to have a player of his calibre at the club.
“It’s been awesome having Hoffy there,” he said. “He brings a lot of experience. He’s very skilful, good on his feet and strong.
“He’s got a lot of good qualities and is a good character off the field. He’s a very good runner of the ball. He’s got his style and my style’s a bit different.
“It’s good to have him there for the competition.”
Mead took some major steps forward last year in his quest to become a fulltime fullback.
He started at the back in eight games for the Titans and scored two tries in his NSW Country Origin debut last season.
His attacking ability has never been questioned but some defensive lapses and fitness concerns saw Zillman return to his favoured position.
Mead said he had shed 3kg this pre-season and was nearing the fitness level needed to be an NRL fullback.
“I’m lighter (87kg) than I normally am and am more fit. I’m getting around the park easier,” he said.
“Running-wise it’s the fittest I’ve been because I’m a bit lighter.“Strength and speed-wise I’ve always been pretty good but this year has been about getting aerobically fitter. With another couple of weeks of training I should be good.
“Last year was a good step in that direction. I got more of an idea how to play the role.
“This year it’s about trying to cement that spot and play the best I can in that position.
“After speaking to Neil, there is opportunity there. He said I’ll get a bit of time at fullback. It’s just about me making the most of it.’’
Hoffman, Zillman and Mead are all expected to play in the Auckland Nines this month but form in the short form of the game will not be a great gauge when it comes to the NRL.
If Mead is overlooked for fullback, he will go back to the wing where there is another battle for positions with Kevin Gordon, Anthony Don and Kalifa Faifai Loa impressing during pre-season.
http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2015/01/14/1227184/971777-15fe748c-9bbe-11e4-86b2-7ba151851551.jpg
http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2015/01/14/1227184/973071-1db41470-9bbe-11e4-86b2-7ba151851551.jpg
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I'd love to know if Hoffman and Zilly are training in any position other than fullback?? Any inside word Teke?
http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2015/01/14/1227184/973019-0c6c056a-9bbe-11e4-86b2-7ba151851551.jpg
ASPIRING Titans fullback David Mead has welcomed the competition from former New Zealand international Josh Hoffman, which has intensified the tussle for the Gold Coast’s No. 1 jersey.
Mead, Hoffman and incumbent William Zillman are locked in an intriguing battle for the fullback role this year.
Hoffman left Brisbane believing he would be given first crack at the position but coach Neil Henry has said he was yet to make a decision on who would play the pivotal role.
Gold Coast’s two pre-season trial games, against New Zealand and North Queensland, could decide who patrols the back in Round 1 against Wests Tigers.
Rather than feeling threatened by Hoffman, Mead said he was excited to have a player of his calibre at the club.
“It’s been awesome having Hoffy there,” he said. “He brings a lot of experience. He’s very skilful, good on his feet and strong.
“He’s got a lot of good qualities and is a good character off the field. He’s a very good runner of the ball. He’s got his style and my style’s a bit different.
“It’s good to have him there for the competition.”
Mead took some major steps forward last year in his quest to become a fulltime fullback.
He started at the back in eight games for the Titans and scored two tries in his NSW Country Origin debut last season.
His attacking ability has never been questioned but some defensive lapses and fitness concerns saw Zillman return to his favoured position.
Mead said he had shed 3kg this pre-season and was nearing the fitness level needed to be an NRL fullback.
“I’m lighter (87kg) than I normally am and am more fit. I’m getting around the park easier,” he said.
“Running-wise it’s the fittest I’ve been because I’m a bit lighter.“Strength and speed-wise I’ve always been pretty good but this year has been about getting aerobically fitter. With another couple of weeks of training I should be good.
“Last year was a good step in that direction. I got more of an idea how to play the role.
“This year it’s about trying to cement that spot and play the best I can in that position.
“After speaking to Neil, there is opportunity there. He said I’ll get a bit of time at fullback. It’s just about me making the most of it.’’
Hoffman, Zillman and Mead are all expected to play in the Auckland Nines this month but form in the short form of the game will not be a great gauge when it comes to the NRL.
If Mead is overlooked for fullback, he will go back to the wing where there is another battle for positions with Kevin Gordon, Anthony Don and Kalifa Faifai Loa impressing during pre-season.
http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2015/01/14/1227184/971777-15fe748c-9bbe-11e4-86b2-7ba151851551.jpg
http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2015/01/14/1227184/973071-1db41470-9bbe-11e4-86b2-7ba151851551.jpg
- - - Updated - - -
I'd love to know if Hoffman and Zilly are training in any position other than fullback?? Any inside word Teke?