Heat is on halves as Marshall lurks
Dragons next season on a $6 million deal, has lost twice since his injury return and must pilot Brisbane to victory against Souths this Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
Bennett signed Marshall to a shock $100,000 deal last October with a view to the veteran helping in an Origin period that annually decimates Brisbane’s side.
But Marshall’s superb display against the Roosters last week, headlined by a try and two try assists, has impressed Bennett and turned up the heat on the Anthony Milford-Hunt scrumbase combo.
Hunt was named at halfback yesterday, with Marshall at No.19 for the Souths clash, but Bennett will wait until tomorrow’s captain’s run to finalise his squad of 17.
“Benji is keeping them honest,” Bennett said of his four-way scrumbase battle that includes Kodi Nikorima.
“Competition makes such a difference, it brings out the best in everyone.
“We have Anthony and Ben as our halves, but there’s Benji and Kodi and I’m watching all of them.
“Benji can play halfback, five-eighth, centre and fullback so he gives me options. I’ll make a final decision on the team on Thursday.”
Classy five-eighth Milford, who made his Queensland debut last Wednesday, is under no threat.