Storm star confident of World Club win

Tuesday 22nd December 2009

Above: Ryan Hoffman in action for Australia.

Melbourne Storm forward Ryan Hoffman is in confident mood ahead of next February's Gillette World Club Challenge at Elland Road (Sunday February 28th).

The fixture is a repeat of the 2008 World Club Challenge which the Rhinos won 11-4, but the 25 year old second rower, who featured for Australia during the Four Nations, believes that the Storm have what it takes to come out on top this time around.

Hoffmann said: "100% I think we can win, we have a very strong team. We were obviously missing Cameron Smith and Greg Inglis last time so hopefully they'll be right for us next year and you don't go into these games thinking you're not going to win."

The powerhouse forward is prepared for another physical challenge against the Rhinos and is hoping that the weather does not dictate the style of play like it did in 2008. Two years ago gale force winds and torrential rain meant Melbourne's star studded back line did not get the opportunity to showcase their talents.

"Last time we came over it was a very tough game. It was in the wet, it was pretty rough conditions and it was a real forward battle. I've never experienced anything like that. But weather is weather; you get weather anywhere you go so it's just how you adapt to the conditions," said the Australian international.

"Hopefully we can look forward to a bit more dry conditions so the backs can get the ball as well. But if it turns out to be a forward battle then we're looking forward to it."

Hoffman will be part of an impressive forward pack for the Storm set to be led by Captain Cameron Smith one of the star players of the Four Nations. Behind the massive pack will be one of the most fearsome backlines in World Rugby League boasting the last two RLIF international players of the year - Greg Inglis and Billy Slater.

Hoffman also believes the Kangaroos' recent Gillette Four Nations success and the 2008 World Club challenge will spur Melbourne Storm on to victory against a Leeds Rhinos side who secured their third successive engage Super League title win in October.

"I suppose we've got a bit of experience coming over here. Quite a few of our players have come over and played here before. Last time it was a whole new thing and something really different.

"But the boys are looking forward to it. I know straight after the Grand Final they were talking about the World Club Challenge against Leeds and obviously Leeds have shown their dominance in the last couple of years. It is a big game and we're looking forward to it."