Ryan Hoffman v Sonny Bill Williams
Consistent second-rowers Ryan Hoffman and Sonny Bill Williams will face off against each other on Saturday night, hoping to edge their respective side’s close to a finals berth.
The pair have met on numerous occasions in the second-row, and both will be looking to make an impact in what is shaping to be a crucial contest in the penultimate round of the home and away season.
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In his 11th season for the club, Hoffman has been a cornerstone of Storm’s forward pack and is playing a significant role in Melbourne’s late season charge, recording five wins from the last six rounds.
Known for his professionalism and dedication, the 30-year-old once again earned State of Origin selection, playing an integral part in New South Wales’ State of Origin series victory over Queensland.
Despite missing a handful of games in 2014 through injury, Williams has been a formidable force for the third-placed Roosters and will return to the starting side this week with the hope of making it back-to-back wins after last week’s impressive victory over the Warriors.
Williams has proven himself as one of the top talents in rugby league—the Rugby League International Federation named him the International Player of the Year in 2013 for his efforts in Sydney’s premiership-winning season and with the New Zealand national team.
With Hoffman and Williams to depart their respective clubs at the end of the season, both will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to finish on a high—the match-up between the two second-rowers will be one to watch and will prove pivotal in shaping the result on Saturday night.
SNAPSHOT: 2014
Ryan Hoffman
Played: 21
Tries: 2
Tackles: 486
Run Metres: 2290
Hit-ups: 186
Sonny Bill Williams
Played: 16
Tries: 3
Tackles: 353
Run Metres: 2025
Hit-ups: 119
The views expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not reflect the views of Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club.
