Rematch at Brooky & Hoffy Returns
Monday 12 November 2012 11:10 AM
Rematch at Brooky and Hoffy Returns are the two of the final 2012 highlights that have been rolled out as part of our 15 Magic Moments of 2012.
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Melbourne Storm have handed Manly their second defeat at Brookvale Oval for season 2012 with a hard fought 26-22 win on Monday night.
In front of a partisan home crowd of 12,106 people, Storm completed one of the hardest road trips in the NRL thanks to a strong second half showing. Coming from behind at half time, tries to Bryan Norrie and Matt Duffie sealed the win for the visitors who move three games clear atop of the NRL ladder.
In the absence of fullback Billy Slater, Craig Bellamy’s side underwent a major reshuffle with Gareth Widdop deputising at fullback and utility Ryan Hinchcliffe switching to hooker in a move that saw Cameron Smith partner Cooper Cronk in the halves. The rearranged line-up worked to good effect with captain Smith putting in a man of the match performance, the combination between he and Cronk proving a handful for the Manly-Waringah defence.
Monday 18 June, Brookvale Oval, Sydney
Storm 26 (Tries: Lowrie, Smith, Norrie, Duffie; Goals: Smith 4)
Sea Eagles 22 (Tries: Cherry-Evans, Stewart, Taufua, Whare; Goals: Lyon 3)
Go to the full match report and highlights here
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Hoffy Returns
The players had a boost to the first day of pre-season training ahead of the 2012 season when back-rower Ryan Hoffman re-joined the club on a three-year deal.
Hoffman came to the club as an 18-year-old and played in a total of 170 matches, including the 2007 and 2009 grand finals before leaving at the end of the 2010 season for a year with Wigan Warriors in the English Super League.
The return of ‘Hoffy’ was as equally pleasing for Storm fans with the NSW and Australian representative player becoming a cult figure amongst the purple army.
Hoffman made an immediate impact on and off the field and enjoyed arguably the best season of his career that culminated in a premiership ring.
His strong and consistent form also earned him representative selection again, this time in the Kangaroos team for the end of season Test match against New Zealand.
The back-rower played every game this season and scored an impressive 11 tries, including the first of the grand final. He also finished third in the competition for most hit ups.
The 28-year-old also finished second (by two votes) to Cameron Smith in the club’s Player of the Year and was acknowledged as the Best Forward by the coaching staff.
Hoffman is also set to join the club’s 200 game club early in 2013.
Hoffy’s return was also marked a great season opener for the Storm with a hard-fought 24-19 win over Canberra, amidst horrid conditions at Canberra Stadium.
Saturday 3 March, Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Storm 24 (Tries: Slater 2, Cronk, O’Neill; Goals: Smith 4)
Canberra 19 (Tries: Buttriss, Fensom, McCrone, Goals: Croker 3, Field goal: Dugan)
Go to the full match report and highlights here
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