Ben Barba deal with Brisbane leaves Josh Hoffman's future in balance As Ben Barba heads north to the Broncos on a three-year deal, we take a look at the freakish fullback's best moments. UPDATE: A SWITCH to the halves could be on the cards for prized signing Ben Barba as Brisbane look to appease fuming fullback Josh Hoffman. Broncos coach Anthony Griffin personally told Hoffman that Barba had signed a three-year deal from 2014 before the NRL club trumpeted the news on Wednesday. Hoffman left the meeting fuming over the prospect of the Dally M Medallist replacing him in the Broncos No.1 jersey next year and contemplated a release from his contract which expires at the end of 2015. Griffin painted a different picture on Thursday, even suggesting Barba could slot into the five-eighth role vacated by the retiring Scott Prince. Asked if Barba was going to play at fullback next year, Griffin said: "He's got the ability to play in a lot of positions. He has the ability to play five-eighth or in the halves. Griffin admitted it was tough telling Hoffman they had signed Barba but complimented the Kiwi international on his ability to rise to previous challenges at the club. Josh Hoffman's future at the Broncos is uncertain. After initially being relegated to winger this year, Hoffman wrestled back the No.1 jersey from Parramatta-bound Corey Norman to become one of the NRL's form fullbacks. "He was the best left winger in the game for about 14 weeks this year and is doing a great job at fullback," Griffin said. From earlier... JOSH Hoffman has put contract extension talks on hold after Brisbane's signing of Ben Barba left him hurting and uncertain about his future. Barba will officially be a Bronco next year after the Bulldogs board on Wednesday agreed to rescind the final two years of his deal on compassionate grounds. That cleared the path for the Broncos to secure Barba on a three-year deal and the Dally M Medallist will start his Brisbane career next season in the No.1 jumper. Ben Barba has officially become a Bronco, signing for Brisbane after the Bulldogs agreed to release the troubled fullback from his contract. Barba's acquisition has already created ructions, with Hoffman left bitterly disappointed after learning he will be moved from fullback to accommodate the Bulldog. Broncos coach Anthony Griffin met the Kiwi Test fullback on Tuesday to personally tell him about Barba's impending arrival. Griffin made it clear Barba's signing was entirely fortuitous and did not reflect a lack of faith in Hoffman but the 25-year-old left the meeting fuming, later telling a Broncos teammate he is now resigned to weighing up his future. Hoffman is reluctant to ask for a release but the Barba development threatens to force him out of the Broncos. Brisbane have flagged a 12-month extension for Hoffman, who is signed until the end of 2015, but Barba's signing has dramatically altered the contractual landscape. Canturbury Bulldogs fullback Ben Barba. Hoffman's manager Paul Hogan said last night the Mackay product preferred fullback and would not be rushing into a new deal with the Broncos. "The Broncos have mentioned extending Josh's contract but we have to take a wait-and-see approach," Hogan said. It is no secret Ben Barba was coming to the Broncos (but) he's a fullback and Josh sees himself as a fullback. Josh is a team player but if he has to go back to the wing, I guess that would be a slap in the face. In an ideal world, Josh would play fullback but he has his heart set on playing 100 games for the Broncos. He will get on the plane for the World Cup (in October) and after that he will consider his position at the club. Brisbane Broncos CEO Paul White reveals Ben Barba has signed a three-year deal with the club after being released by the Bulldogs. Hoffman spent most of this season on the wing but has been in magnificent form since his return to fullback a month ago after Corey Norman was axed. Broncos chief executive Paul White yesterday insisted Hoffman was happy and looking forward to the challenge Barba presented. "Hoffy has had discussions with his coach and we are mindful of that communication," he said. The great thing about Josh is he's played on the wing, the centres and at fullback. He's proven himself to be a highly versatile player. The strength of this club has been competition for spots. No one is guaranteed a position at our club. Ben won't be guaranteed a position here either. Barba's ex-partner Ainslie Currie is expected to move to Brisbane next month with their two young daughters. "I would like to thank the Bulldogs for their understanding of my personal circumstances and for their total support throughout my career," Barba said. I would like to now focus on getting back on the field and finishing the year on a positive note in the blue and white. with AAP