3 minute read

Melbourne stand-in skipper Ryan Hoffman is ready to lead his NRL side in the absence of their Origin stars but remains hopeful of a future NSW call-up.

Ryan Hoffman is currently part of Melbourne's State of Origin solution but he wants to be part of the problem.

Storm back-rower Hoffman remains optimistic he is playing the type of rugby league which can win him NSW selection for Origin III next month.

And how he captains his NRL club minus their Origin stars in an important clash with the in-form Wests Tigers at AAMI Park on Friday night could have a big bearing on both his representative hopes and the Storm's season.

Hoffman hasn't played for the Blues since 2008 but has no doubt he is playing well enough to do the job for his state if given an opportunity.

"I definitely hold out hopes (of being selected for NSW). I'm really happy with the way my form has been this year," Hoffman said on Thursday.

"If called upon I know I can do the job for NSW. But the NSW selectors pick the team they think can do the job. I think they've picked a very good team.

"The main thing I can focus on is if I keep playing well for the Storm, and the Storm keep winning, then I give myself the best opportunity."

Navigating the Origin period, with players absent or backing up for NRL matches soon after their representative commitments, has long been a problem for the Storm.

But Melbourne were undefeated during the rep season last year, and their 11-1 start to the year gives them a handy buffer as they face life without Queensland stars Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk.

While the Storm's key playmakers aren't there, the Tigers have Benji Marshall available to direct traffic in a side which has won its past six matches.

Hoffman will lock horns with ex-Storm back-rower Adam Blair, who is starting to have an impact for the Tigers after a slow start to the season.

"A lot of that criticism was a bit harsh on him at the start of the season," Hoffman said of Blair.

"From what I've seen on video during the week he's been in great form for the Tigers.

"He's a real leader, he's an international, I know he's going to be up for a big game against us.

"He was a great player for us and I'm sure he's going to go out there and try and be a great player for the Tigers."

The match will be Storm coach Craig Bellamy's 250th in charge of the club.

Hoffman said while Bellamy had not made a big deal of his milestone, the players would love to reward their long-time mentor for his contribution to their own careers.

"He's improved my football, and made me the footballer I am. I'm sure plenty of other players would agree with that statement," Hoffman said.

The Storm have shifted usual five-eighth Gareth Widdop to fullback to cover Slater, Rory Kostjasyn steps into halfback to replace Cronk alongside new No.6 Maurice Blair.

For the Tigers, Tom Humble will deputise at hooker for Blues' Origin rake Robbie Farah.