Brooks calls for benched Benji to return
WESTS Tigers halfback Luke Brooks has called for axed playmaker Benji Marshall to be recalled to the NRL side to revive the team’s attack.
Off-contract Marshall hasn’t played for four weeks after being dumped by coach Michael Maguire, with Josh Reynolds the preferred option at five-eighth.
The New Zealand international is committed to the Tigers despite speculation linking him to a rival club for the remainder of the season.
Brooks believes his side missed Marshall’s flair, poise, and experience in attack during last weekend’s 19-12 loss to Penrith.
It’s why he would like to see the veteran No. 6 return to the Tigers’ starting team sooner rather than later.
“On the weekend (against
Penrith) we probably needed someone like Benji to score some points there,” Brooks said.
“He has got that X-factor. “Losing BJ (Leilua) for four weeks, he was that X-factor, so I think we will see Benji in our side again.”
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Marshall was understand if kicking stones following his demotion. As a premiership-winning veteran with 312 NRL games under his belt, he has earnt the right to play a leading role at the highest level.
According to Brooks, though, Marshall hasn’t spent his time on the sidelines complaining, and he is working hard to return to the side.
“The way Benji has reacted to being dropped for a guy in his position, a lot of young guys would look up to that,” he said.
“They have seen the way he has handled it – it just shows what sort of guy he is and what sort of leadership he has.
“It is a tough time for him, but he has handled it really well.
“He is coming into training and helping the boys. Even in meetings he is putting in his two cents.
“He is full of knowledge, so it would be stupid of us not to use his football brain.”
Tigers winger David Nofoaluma knows exactly how Marshall is feeling.
He started last season in the reserve grade ranks before fighting his way back into the NRL side.
Nofoaluma has reached out to Marshall about using his personal story as inspiration.