It has now been seven games since Benji Marshall debuted for the St George-Illawarra Dragons, and after a rocky start, it’s safe to say the Dragons made the right choice in signing the enigmatic half.
The former Golden Boot winner was reportedly chased hard by both the Storm and the Sharks, however chose to sign with the Red V.
Last night, Marshall was the difference as the Dragons celebrated a 27-14 win over the Cowboys. His banana kick that led to Adam Quinlan’s try will make many highlight reels.
With last night’s victory the Dragons head into the bye just two points outside the top eight.
Parramatta fans enjoyed a good chuckle after Benji’s debut game headed two try assists for their side, although it looks as though it may be the Dragons who are left laughing.
Although still a fair way off the scintillating form he showed during his heyday at the Tigers, Marshall has given much needed support to Gareth Widdop in the playmaking department.
Sparking to life against a severely depleted Sharks, Marshall made the team that failed to sign him pay dearly, with a man of the match performance.
Josh Dugan has Marshall’s brilliance to thank for NSW Origin jersey, after scoring a hat-trick and having a field day against his opposite Blake Ayshford.
Widdop, who could very well be the buy of the season, was struggling without assistance until the arrival of the Kiwi superstar. Their halves combination is absolutely key to their club’s chances of playing finals footy.
Since Benji’s introduction, the joint venture club has recorded four wins, including their last three games in a row.
Bulldog
Guest
Cowboys without NRL 11 players ($3.1M worth of talent) with 4 guys playing NRL for first time this year including 3 NRL debuts. Debutants included back up hooker playing first game ever at number nine (normally a full back). I would not get too ahead of yourselves yet....
Charles NSW
Guest
Bye next week which will give them 20 points. There are about seven teams on 20 now so if any lose next week thta will put the Dragons equal to them.
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Roar Guru
"Last night, Marshall was the difference as the Dragons celebrated a 27-14 win over the Cowboys." The final margin was 27-24, not 27-14. Other than that, the Dragons were impressive and stood up when the going got tough. Four wins out of their last five should give them a lot of confidence in the run home. But could they possibly make the finals? It's still a possibility, you can never count the Dragons out!
oli
Guest
Where's Tim Prentice and his Benji bashing?
The eye
Guest
Without getting too bogged down here,you didnt see Benji collect on the right and step back thru the left of the ruck at all last night ?
Off To Mandy's
Guest
Joel T plays left hand edge, same side as Widdop.
Charles NSW
Guest
Certainly added spark to the halves! He is working well with Widdop and they could be one of the best halves in the competition the way they are going. Full credit to Price and McGregor for accepting him and having the patience to help him get back on his feet. The Dragons still have a lot of work to do but they are starting to show they are a team in contention.
The eye
Guest
If you watched the game last night you could see that Mary still has a big job to get this side into the 8..more so with the ball these days,some unbelievable carelessness out wide and at the back,kicking game wasnt good enough..and Mitch Rein needs more game time(hes no champion but things are more likely to happen)..Joel T.and Benji should be working more like Cronk/Hoffman,Pearce/Cordener on the line
Bearfax
Roar Guru
Good to see the Dragons rising from the mire and Benji finally showing the skills he has been hiding from us for several years. 'Mary' McGreggor seems to know how to coach a football team. What with Penrith, Parramatta and The Tigers on the rise, the health of the NRL is improving after a few years of one way traffic..
John
Guest
Agree completely.
joseph. grew
Guest
Will not let me play bulldogs V. Manly video
Johnnyball
Guest
Be running the place soon!
Gurudoright
Guest
I was one of those Dragons supporters that thought after his season last year and what he did in Super Rugby, that Marshall was pasted it. I'm happy to say that I'm wrong. I mean he isn't in his career best form but over the last few weeks he has done the job in which he was bought. He has definitely added that edge in attack which has been lacking and which I think continue as he and Widdop get use to each other's play.