Hoffman on alert for Penrith rising star

Gold Coast centre Josh Hoffman has identified stopping Bryce Cartwright as one of the main challenges he'll face against Penrith this weekend.

Hoffman put in one of his best defensive displays in a Titans jersey on Monday night in a 26-6 win over the Sydney Roosters, keeping Australian representative Blake Ferguson quiet all evening.

The former New Zealand international will have no chance to rest on his laurels however against the Panthers, with in-form back-rower Bryce Cartwright set to target the defensive edge where Hoffman will be.

Sunday's clash will be Cartwright's last chance to impress NSW State of Origin selectors before the teams for this year's series opener are named and Hoffman expects that to be a huge motivating factor for the 21-year-old.

"As a left edge we've got to make sure we stay connected because he can do some damage to some teams," Hoffman said.

"With the offloads he has, he's very creative. He's got a smart brain on him footy-wise."