Speculation about whether Benji Marshall can make a mark in his return to the NRL will continue as long he delivers the inconsistent performances. He produced his latest below-par effort last Saturday night in the Dragons’ 30-22 loss against the Roosters.
When it comes to producing the right play for the right moment, Benji is a mixed bag. He always has been but he doesn’t always have to be.
His kicking from hand was inconsistent, highlighted by an abysmal grubber that went dead as the Dragons were on the attack.
The Roosters had to absorb enormous pressure in the early stages, and with the Dragons on the attack the ball found its way to Benji Marshall. Drifting across field looking for an opening, Marshall kicked dead instead of taking the tackle. The Roosters were handed possession and went on to score in the minutes that followed.
If he had pulled it off, it would have looked really special. But right at that moment, it wasn’t the right play.
His lateral passing continues to be untidy at times. On two occasions Benji’s passes resulted in the Roosters regaining possession. A short ball that hit nothing but turf, as well as a pass that was thrown behind back-rower Joel Thompson as the Dragons worked the ball out from their own try line.
Marshall did conjour a superb solo effort late in the game, beating several Roosters defenders on his way to the try line, but it’s plays like these that leave Dragons fans frustrated. He doesn’t seal the deal for his team, even though he’s capable of doing it.
Benji continues to produce moments, but my criticism is that he’s still making the same mistakes he did when he was 18. Mistakes you would expect a player of his class and experience to learn from.
It’s time that Benji takes control of his game. Adjust to the surrounding environment and make the simpler play rather than going for the harder option. Up step Gareth Widdop.
In the first four rounds, without Marshall in the team, Widdop racked up five try assists and four line break assists which saw him sit atop the Dally M standings. When he saw that the Dragons had got the opposition retreating he commanded the football.
In the 16 rounds proceeding, Widdop has 13 try assists and 11 line break assists. The numbers speak for themselves.
I’m not entirely blaming Marshall for the drop in numbers but no doubt it has hindered Widdop’s performances, with Marshall himself admitting he demanded the ball too much upon his return.
One of the things we needed to find out about Widdop was what he could do when he became the main man, and to some degree he surprised many at how easily he’s slipped into that role.
Now he has an experienced half next to him, as he did in Melbourne, Widdop needs to get back to that early season form and command the ball if the Dragons are to have success.
For Marshall, he has to play a pretty simple role, keeping in mind that the simple role required is just as important, if not more so, when any team experiences success.
gronna gruntus
Guest
agree with everything you say james t . marshal should improve next year with a solid pre season, but for five hundred thou a year no thanks. au mau will not tackle defending his line, he arm grabs like a few others.
Charles NSW
Guest
Benji Marshall needs time and a lot of work to iron out any problems he may have. The very least he needs is people bagging him! Give him time, he and Widdop will be one of the best halve combinations in the competition.
james t
Guest
Benjis last play options ruined the dragons, its like he is scared to get tackled.. like kicking on the 2nd the ball fire dead the roosters get a penalty then score that set. Game changing and ruining. And if the roosters coach is happy with there 'D' then good luck..
Jeff
Guest
Did u watch the game? sure he made a couple mistakes but him an Dugan were carving up on that edge.
Paco Hill
Guest
Benji and the rest of the dragons are looking alright. Will probably just miss the 8 this year but if they give Mary the top job I think next year will be much better for them.
The Koomz
Guest
Both Marshall and Widdop's kicking game were poor on Saturday. Needs to run more and let the kicking to Widdop. I wouldn't mind switching Widdop to half and Marshall to 5/8.
Ray
Guest
What team does Bernard Foley play for in the NRL i don't know him??????
Doug Graves
Guest
Benji is an average player now, he's just too inconsistent to be considered a great player. As the Dragons are discovering (and the Tigers know all too well) he will cost you as many games as he wins
Scott Pryde
Expert
Marshall has really improved in recent weeks, and he has learnt not too overplay his hand actually although that seemed to creep back in on the weekend a little bit.
SBW fan
Guest
He could learn a lot from Bernard Foley's game on Sat night
The truth
Guest
Yeah sure he had a bad kicking game and a couple of bad passes but he did help the dragons get back into the game and marshall Dugan plus nightingale were a very good combination out on the wing getting metres that the forwards couldn't . Also don't blame him for another players game that's stupid.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Funny you say that, Andrew Johns whose opinion is held in much higher esteem said he is coming along well, and with a good offseason will be back to the Benji Marshall who we all thought was a great player.
Johnnyball
Guest
Benchy Marshalll mk2!