Newcastle’s Culina turning Hoffman into defender

Newcastle Jets coach Branko Culina believes striker Jason Hoffman would make a great defender.

Despite netting twice in the opening round of the season and playing almost all of his junior football as a forward, Hoffman has been deployed as a right-back in his past few games with the Jets youth team and Culina believes he has the makings of a top-class wingback.

"I think Jason, with his athletic ability and skills, can be an ideal player to make the switch," culina said.

"He reminds me so much of two other players I have coached who have gone on and become very good wide players, Brett Emerton and Lindsay Wilson. We'll give Jason the opportunity. I see a lot of similarities.

"Jason has the speed, which we don't have a great deal of, he's got stamina, great athleticism and his touch on the ball is good.

"Maybe in front of goals he hasn't quite got the composure, but coming from deep might help his development in a big way."

Hoffman admits it is strange finding himself in defence but is happy to add another string to his bow.

"I've always been a striker, but I'm quite happy to give wing-back a go because I can still get forward and get into the box," he said.

"Or you can get on the end of a cross and score goals.

"It's just a matter of working hard and being smart about it.

"It's a new challenge for me and hopefully I can take it in my stride and make it my own."