LOOK WHO’S CRO WING
Bennett made the revelation during a press conference, putting Marshall in the unenviable position of being in Bennett’s bad books.
The development means Marshall will have added pressure to perform during his ISC debut against the Blackhawks in Redcliffe, adding further fuel to the pre- game.
Marshall is arguably the most high- profile NRL player to play ISC in recent years, but Beasley said his teammates would not be starstruck by Marshall come tomorrow’s game.
They will nevertheless treat the 256- game NRL player and Golden Boot winner with due respect.
“He’s played at the next level for a reason,” Beasley said.
“He has the skill and talent to cause a lot of damage, but we’ll be trying to nullify him just like any other player.
“We’ll have to come up with the answer of nullifying his strengths as a collective, not as individuals.
“The fact he’s playing ISC will probably bring a lot more hype around the game, but we’ll be treating the game like any other.
“There’s plenty of talent running around in Q Cup.”
Marshall was thrown an NRL lifeline by the Broncos late last year after failing to negotiate a new deal at the Dragons, and is looking to break into a stacked Broncos’ backline.
He got his first chance last weekend after coming off the bench in Brisbane’s 14- 12 loss to the Storm, but is set to play his full game tomorrow.
“Redcliffe are the competition benchmark and it will be our biggest test of the year so far,” Beasley said.
“We’re going to get tested everywhere.”
The Blackhawks are unbeaten after three games and surged to the top of the ISC ladder after last weekend’s 60- 12 win over Mackay, which saw fullback Carlin Anderson score a club record 28 points.
Beasley played his second game back from long- term injury. RED- FACED to red- hot. This is the most remarkable turnaround in rugby league.
The Sydney Roosters have gone from zeroes to heroes in just 12 months.
A 20- 6 win over fierce rivals Souths in the ANZ Stadium rain kept the rejuvenated Roosters unbeaten this season after four rounds.
After four rounds last season, the then battling Roosters were running equal last, having not won a game. It has been some reversal.
In fact, the Roosters lost five successive matches to start last season – which was over before it began. One year on, the resurgent Roosters are firming into premiership favouritism. Souths have now won two of four games this year.
The Roosters looked professional and competent in the slippery conditions. They did what they needed to do and not much more and are going to take some beating this season.
Four wins from four games makes you wonder just how they lost their first five in 2016 and missed the finals. Yes, there was the Mitchell Pearce Australia Day drama but this side is hot.
Victory was sweet revenge for Roosters fiveeighth Luke Keary, who left Souths last year after an offseason dispute with Rabbitohs owner Russell Crowe.
The night wasn’t so sweet however for Souths hooker Robbie Farah, who lost playing his 250th NRL match. It is still a magnificent milestone for the durable Farah.
Souths scored first in the second half – to debutant Sitiveni Moceidreke – to crawl back into the game before Roosters winger and former NSW star Daniel Tupou crossed out wide, albeit from a dubious pass, to seal his side another win.
Once Tupou scored, any chance of a Souths revival washed away in the rain.
Souths will provide plenty of courage and commitment all season but it’s hard to see them challenging the elite sides in September.
Late in the first half, Souths star Sam Burgess collided with Roosters forward Isaac Liu and immediately fell to the ground. Liu’s shoulder crunched into Burgess’ face, the Rabbitohs’ skipper coming from the field for a concussion test right on halftime. He failed the test and did not return.
The Sydney Roosters were in control over the opening 40m minutes, leading 14- 0 at half- time.
It didn’t take long for the Roosters to assert early authority. In the sixth minute, rising star Latrell Mitchell scored his fifth try this season when Souths were caught short.
There is little doubt Mitchell is being monitored for a NSW centre spot and he looks more like an Origin centre each passing week.