Brett Mather isn't buying into the hype - which is just as well because he'd probably need a lot of money.

But the Steamers centre admits he'd love to have the chance to mark up against high-profile league convert Sonny Bill Williams on Friday night.

Williams is expected to feature in the Canterbury line-up for his first ITM Cup appearance, having come through Saturday's Metro v Country clash in Christchurch.

His Canterbury debut has been continually delayed by knee and hamstring injuries, meaning Mather doesn't have much to swot up on as the Steamers head south this week.

"I use analysis each week to try and pick up on what my opposite is up to but at the moment, since he hasn't featured yet, there's no video material around of Sonny Bill and we have no idea how he operates on the rugby field," Mather said.

"I didn't really follow his league career, although I've always been a rugby league fan and it was always good to see his defensive highlights - I just hope he realises you've got to use your arms in rugby!"

The former Canterbury Bulldogs superstar - who turned down a multi-million dollar contract extension with Toulon - hopes to earn a spot of the end of year All Black tour over the next two months.

Williams has valued the patience of Canterbury coaching staff, who have tolerated his dalliances with Mount Hutt skifields and with his lingering injuries.

"I've been in the situation where I've pushed myself too hard too early and that's set me back an extra couple of weeks." Williams said.

Christchurch-raised Mather, meanwhile, has his sights on breaking a personal duck on the AMI Stadium turf, after an eye-catching display for the Steamers against North Harbour on Sunday.

He's played three times at the home of Canterbury rugby, including a Shield Challenge with Otago last year, without success.

"I can't wait to get home - I haven't been there in a while and it will be great to see my friends and family. I'm not looking forward to the cold though - I've become far too used to the weather up here!"

Canterbury name their starting line-up tomorrow, while the Steamers got a couple of positive injury reports.

Utility Nick McCashin is available after six weeks out with a fractured eye socket, while Luke Andrews appears to have escaped concussion after a nasty head-knock with Harbour prop Ben Afeaki on Sunday.