Kevin Proctor ready for grudge match with New Zealand Warriors

MELBOURNE backrower Kevin Proctor admits that there is always an extra grudge element when the Storm take on the Warriors.

NRL Rd 7 - Tigers v Storm

KIWI international Kevin Proctor admits there is an extra element of “grudge” every time he faces up to New Zealand Warriors.

The back-rower is one of five New Zealanders in Melbourne Storm’s line-up for Monday night’s Anzac Day blockbuster against the Warriors at AAMI Park.

There was always plenty of feeling when the two arch rivals clash and it runs deeper for Proctor, who is a regular in the New Zealand national side.

“I suppose there is a little bit more of a grudge in there,” Proctor said.

“And that’s because you know a few of the boys and you try to get stuck into them a little bit more than usual.

“It is always exciting playing the Warriors and it is always a tough match.

“They’re kind of like our bogey team and it’s always a close game, so I’m expecting the same on Monday.”

It is only Round 7 but this will be already the second meeting between the two sides this season.

Melbourne pulled off a gritty 21-14 win at Mt Smart Stadium in Round 4, although there is a strong belief across the competition the Warriors get better as the season goes on.

“I suppose we can take something from that result because they had a full team then,” Proctor said.

“All the boys can take a bit of confidence out of that match and I hope we do because it is going to be tough on Monday.”

Storm is coming off a dramatic 19-18 golden point win over Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval last round.

It is fifth on the ladder despite the fact it is struggling with its execution when the ball is in hand.

Proctor had his best game of the season against the Tigers.

Although, the positive for coach Craig Bellamy is his side’s willingness to tough out games this season.

“We haven’t really played our best football yet and we’re still 5-2,” Proctor said.

“Hopefully we get back to the training field this week and really practice on those things we need to work on before Monday.”

This will be Proctor’s seventh Anzac Day clash and he said it was always an honour to be playing on such a sacred day.

“It means so much to both clubs and both countries and it is a really special occasion,” he said.

“When you listen to the national anthems before the games it gives you a few goosebumps before kick-off.”