Marshall’s out to top amazing Grace

WING WIZARDS’ BATTLE

LIAM MARSHALL has scored more tries in two months than dad David managed in three years on the Wigan wing.

But despite a meteoric rise, Marshall junior’s feet are still firmly planted on the ground.

Marshall senior touched down 11 times in 39 appearances between 1987 and 1990.

His son already has 13 Super League tries to his name going into tonight’s derby showdown against St Helens, including a Magic Weekend hat-trick against Warrington.

A match-up with Saints’ own 20-year-old flyer, Regan Grace, is one of the intriguing subplots to Justin Holbrook’s first home match as St Helens coach.

Marshall said: “Dad was proud when I made my debut but I ® think he is more proud that I am still in the team.

“He never really pushed me to do anything as a kid.

“But I think he was secretly happy when I decided to play rugby when I was about 13.

“He is someone I look up to. He is a good bloke and an inspiration.

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“He gives me a few pointers but he knows what it is like to be in a professional environment.

“He realises the coaches tell you what to do and that I don’t need to come home to him saying stuff.”

Marshall displayed blistering pace to land a 95-metre interception try in the draw with Warrington on Saturday.

“Am I quicker than my dad?” he said. “There’s probably only a few left who watched him play, it was that long ago!

“But he was fast. I would have loved us to be both in our prime to see who would have won.”

Saints’ wing rival Grace has grabbed five tries in seven games since a stunning debut in the reverse fixture on Good Friday.

“We used to play against each other at Under-19s and Regan has always been a good athlete,” added Marshall.

“He is very strong, so we’ll have to watch him.”