Josh Hoffman
A versatile and resilient back who carved out a long career by adapting his game across multiple positions and continents.
Born 1988 (age 38)·New Zealand international rugby league footballer·Birthday: March 10·Millennials
Biography
Josh Hoffman emerged from the rugby league heartlands of New Zealand, making his first-grade debut for the Brisbane Broncos in 2010. His speed and athleticism quickly marked him as a player to watch, earning him a spot in the New Zealand national team, the Kiwis. Hoffman's career was defined by his positional flexibility, slotting in at fullback, wing, and centre with equal commitment. After his NRL stint, which included time with the Gold Coast Titans, he took his game to the English Super League with the Castleford Tigers, demonstrating the durability and adaptability that kept him in the sport's top tiers for over a decade. His journey eventually brought him back to grassroots rugby in Queensland, playing for the Wests Panthers, a testament to his enduring love for the game.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Josh was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Josh Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Josh's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made his international debut for the New Zealand Kiwis in 2012.
- Played over 150 first-grade games in the NRL for the Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans.
- Scored a try in his debut match for the Brisbane Broncos against the North Queensland Cowboys in 2010.
Did You Know?
He is of Māori descent, with his iwi (tribe) being Ngāpuhi.
His younger brother, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, also became a professional rugby league player and a New Zealand international.
He played rugby union as a schoolboy before switching to league.
“Fullback is about putting your body on the line for the team.”
