Modest Proctor in top form in 2017

"He has earned the right to be talked about. It's always a great challenge marking him. He is one of the best players in the world," responds Matt Procter when asked if he is tired of all the attention Sonny Bill Williams receives.

It's a typically modest reply by the softly spoken Procter whose consistency continues to impress, but hasn't resulted in the highest honour despite an injury crisis in the All Blacks midfield last year.

"I wasn't too fazed about missing All Black selection. The selectors obviously have specific things they are looking for and I wasn't the right fit at that moment. All I can do is put my best foot forward and concentrate on my game." Procter believes.

Procter's game is stability. Rock solid on defence, he is an underrated opportunist on attack.

He has appeared 43 times for Wellington and scored 10 tries and has racked up 42 games for the Hurricanes, scoring eight tries. His partnership with Ngani Laumape resembles that of Nonu and Smith.

"Ngani is a helluva of a player. He draws in defenders every time he touches the ball which makes my job easier." Procter acclaims.

"I think we complement each other and that's one of the reasons for our success out wide this year." Procter continued.

Ankle, knee, concussion, Procter is no stranger to injuries himself and in fact missed the first four games of 2016.

"Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game I have learnt to deal with. I haven't had a major one yet, just little ones at the wrong time." Procter moans.

He missed the win over Sonny Bill Williams’ Blues side owing to concussion, and is in doubt to play the Brumbies this Friday night in Napier.

Procter is affiliated with the Ngai Te Rangi and Ngapuhi Iwi tribes. In 2013 he made his debut for the New Zealand Maori scoring a try against Canada, and also the two games against Japan in 2014.  He stared all three games on the US and UK tour last year.

"The Maori team is awesome and the culture in that team is unlike any other. There is a culture of the field which is unique and the Maori team has taken me to parts of the world I thought I would never see." Procter marvels.

Rugby runs in the family. Matt’s father Phil Procter is a former New Zealand Junior and Wellington Prop. Older brother James Procter has played for Tasman and won a Jubilee Cup with Ories, but is presently battling injury. Younger Billy Procter made the New Zealand Secondary Schools' team last year and has already debuted for Marist St. Pats in the midfield.

"I haven't had much of a chance to watch Billy play because his games often clash with mine, but I hear he is pretty good and that's exciting." Procter concludes.

The brothers are all out of St Pat’s Town, where Matt was also an athletics star.

Matt is now in his sixth year as a professional player, having made his debut for the Wellington Lions in 2012 and played for the New Zealand U20s at that year’s Junior World Cup and won the Al Keown Memorial Cup for best performed Wellington Academy player.

• Hurricanes v Brumbies at McLean Park this Friday night at 7.35pm.
• Listen to the Rugby Round-Up Show every Saturday from 2.00pm on Te Upoko O Te Ika on 1161AM and online at tunein.com.
• Train like Matt Proctor at Les Mills  - the official gym partner of the Hurricanes and Club Rugby.