Unpredictable Hampton could turn tide
where he was four years ago to where he is now and it’s vastly different,” he said.
“I’ve seen so much growth in him. He comes back to this group and he’s really vocal about his role and about what we need to do as a team, which shows real leadership.”
Many commentators have suggested the Sharks have it over Melbourne for spark, but Hampton appears somewhat of an enigma for rivals such is the varying nature of his input from the bench in recent matches.
Ingebrigtsen said Hampton would be called on to speed the game up around tiring forwards and provide a point of difference to the proven yet predictable Storm formula at ANZ Stadium.
“They might be predictable but you’ve still got to stop it,” he said.
“Ben has got some real footy in him. He’s certainly an X-factor. Whatever role he plays he understands what he has to do and he will be determined to do a job on the day.
“I think knowing this will be Ben’s last game for the Storm ... he’ll want to go out a winner after all the system has done for him and he’s done a lot for the system as well.”
Ingebrigtsen was confident Hampton would get his hands on the trophy and return north with a premiership ring.
“It’s easy for me to say because I work for the Storm but their game will choke Cronulla,” he said.
“Melbourne are just so professional. Cronulla need to be at their very best if they’re going to win.”