Benji Brilliance shows good times ahead for Tigers
September 7th 2008 09:28
Marshall was brilliant against the Titans
Wests Tigers five-eighth Benji Marshall knows he is number one. On his day, the step, the speed and the swerve all come to the fore as they did yesterday afternoon against the Gold Coast Titans.
The result of Marshall's brilliance eventuated into a 28-12 win for the Tigers over the Titans in the last round of the 2008 NRL season.
Forget the match was a dead rubber. Forget the game had little resemblance on the make up of this year’s top eight, and forget that it was Brett Hodgson’s last match of a 225 game career in the NRL.
The focus was on Marshall and quite simply, he was brilliant.
With the ball in hand, fans up in the Gold Coast were made to suffer, yet appreciate the skills of a Kiwi who is strongly considering leaving the game he loves in exchange for Croissants and more greens.
There was one moment in the second half that summed up Marshall's 'Hollywood on the Gold Coast' antics.
On the last tackle, the Kiwi representative received the football, grubbered through the defence, stepped past Titans fullback Ben Jeffrey and flick passed to the waiting hands of Tim Moltzen, who was eventually pinned for knocking the ball on.
In the end, the try of the season never came but Marshall's presence at Skilled stadium earned the Tigers enough points to end 2008 on a high.
In what has been another frustrating year for Marshall, the Kiwi international was eager to leave his mark somewhat in League's centenary year.
He suffered a hamstring injury in round one this season against the Dragons but returned to action seven weeks later.
From there, it was all up and down as Marshall failed to find the consistency and form that comes with experiencing two season ending shoulder injuries.
The Tigers were made to suffer through the thick times in Marshall's career with a third straight Mad Monday now beckoning for Tim Sheens’ men.
But if anything can be consolidated from another failed campaign for the Tigers, no doubt it comes in the form of Marshall - a player who has gone to hell and back in regards to injury who is finally starting to show his instincts with the footy in hand.
On a Sunday afternoon with a dry surface to call upon, there are few who can match the attacking brilliance of Marshall.
His willingness to dominate a game from any position on the footy field will leave coach Tim Sheens feeling optimistic come 2009.
With Tigers captain Hodgson bidding farewell to the NRL, Marshall will now experience more pressure on his shoulders than two re-constructions ever could.
But judging from yesterday's performance against the Titans, Marshall is ready to take the next step in maturity and become the saviour - just like he was in 2005.
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