Ex-Storm star Matt King is expecting a hostile reception from fans when he returns to Melbourne in South Sydney colours for Sunday’s NRL round-two clash.

Melbourne forward Ryan Hoffman says his teammates – and presumably their diehard fans – have been waiting all summer for their chance to take on Souths.

The Rabbitohs conceded two late tries in a 24-20 loss to the Sydney Roosters on Monday night and must re-group for another intense battle.

Ex-Storm assistant coach Michael Maguire is the new Souths mentor and has former Melbourne players Greg Inglis, Michael Crocker and King in his side for what Hoffman is tipping to be a spicy affair at AAMI Park.

“There’s plenty of factors I suppose this weekend – a lot of ex-Melbourne players,” Hoffman told reporters on Tuesday.

“He (Maguire) is getting that club going in the right direction. I thought ‘GI’ (Greg Inglis) and Michael Crocker were fantastic last night.

“Kingy, Greggy and Croc and Madge (Maguire), they were all popular guys (at the Storm).

“When the draw came out, everyone here at Melbourne and Souths, we checked to see when we were going to play each other because we knew that was going to add a bit of spice to the game.

“With the way they played, it really makes sure that we’re going to have to be on our game.

“There were some quite good things that Souths did last night, especially when they’ve got such talented players like Kingy and GI with their attacking prowess.

“Even Croc got over the line last night.

“In terms of those fellows, we know we’re going to have to treat them like any other player and have a handshake and a chat to them after the game.”

The laid-back King said he hoped Melbourne fans still had a soft spot for him.

“It’s exciting. I’ve got some great mates down there,” King told reporters on Tuesday.

“Melbourne was a great time in my career and I fell in love with the place.

“But that chapter of my career got closed four years ago when I went to the (English) Super League.

“But I’m really looking forward to going down there and performing well for Souths.

“I’ve seen a lot of boys who have left the club and gone back down to play (in Melbourne) and cop an absolute hiding.

“I don’t think it will be any different for me.

“I’d like to think the fans have got a soft spot for me somewhere down there.

“But I’m not expecting it. Maybe after the game, they might come and say g’day.”

The Storm had a 24-19 win in Canberra last week as Hoffman made his comeback for the club following a season with Wigan.

“I felt quite comfortable out there back with the boys,” he said.