Benji appreciation

[watersider]

Benji has received a lot of criticism on here, and his form has certainly been poor. But, I think we have been too harsh when it comes to questions around his effort and commitment to the club. His good performance on Saturday highlights the fact that he is at his best when playing out wide, which is something most people have been saying here. So, I'd say his poor form was due more to playing out of position rather than any lack of effort. It is a shame he wasn't moved out wide earlier.

The press conference after the match was also well done by benji. Sitting next to Brooks and Potter, one who is going to replace him and the other who would have had a significant hand in him not getting the contract he wanted, Benji was full of praise for Brooks and positive about the clubs future. It also seemed obvious that Brooks valued Benji's input and that Benji had helped him. I think that shows benji isn't as selfish as many have stated. Benji spoke with genuine pride about Brooks and the club's future, and that was really good to see.

I think it would have been interesting seeing him next year at centre for us, but it is probably better for the club to spend the $750 000 he would have taken on our promising juniors.So I think Benji is leaving at the right time, and I think, beside the distasteful blues video, he has handled his exit without seeming bitter or upset by the decision.

Could we, therefore, all try to be a little bit more respectfu towards a player who clearly is doing his best for the club (even if that isn't great) and recognise that he has been a big influence on the popularity and financial wellbeing of the club for a long time (this can most clearly been seen over the last two years, as I'm sure everyone would agree that it is no coincidence that his poor form has matched our on and off field problems). This is a burden he's carried pretty comfortably for a long time, and he deserves more credit than the sort of comments his poor form over the last two years has caused on here.

 

[citizen_cub]

pffft….one 'solid' game and it's sweet eh? What a joke

 

[MAFIA]

In the words of fatty vautin give yourself an uppercut champ 1 good game all year and you want everyone to forgive poor old princess benchy never after that crap he pulled with his video never

_Posted using RoarFEED 2013_

 

[watersider]

pffft….one 'solid' game and it's sweet eh? What a joke

No, it is more like two seasons of poor form doesn't make the previous seven any less impressive. I never said he has played well for us this year or that his form couldn't improve. But, in his career, he overcame many serious injuries and produced sublime play for a long time. He has been woeful this year, but most people here believe he shouldn't be at halfback.So, I don't think it is such a 'joke' to draw attention to the positive aspects of his contribution to the club.

 

[citizen_cub]

In the words of fatty vautin give yourself an uppercut champ 1 good game all year and you want everyone to forgive poor old princess benchy never after that crap he pulled with his video never

_Posted using RoarFEED 2013_

x 2

 

[watersider]

In the words of fatty vautin give yourself an uppercut champ 1 good game all year and you want everyone to forgive poor old princess benchy never after that crap he pulled with his video never

_Posted using RoarFEED 2013_

If you need to quote fatty vautin, then you obviously haven't thought out your opinions. And what are we forgiving him for? Was it bad that he walked away from the club? He probably felt he couldn't contribute anymore so he went elsewhere. He has accepted less money and the same two year contract and the club is better off without him, so what is there to forgive?

 

[citizen_cub]

pffft….one 'solid' game and it's sweet eh? What a joke

No, it is more like two seasons of poor form doesn't make the previous seven any less impressive. I never said he has played well for us this year or that his form couldn't improve. But, in his career, he overcame many serious injuries and produced sublime play for a long time. He has been woeful this year, but most people here believe he shouldn't be at halfback.So, I don't think it is such a 'joke' to draw attention to the positive aspects of his contribution to the club.

He's had 3 particularly goods seasons and the other 4 you mention of were in fact plagued by either inconsistency or injuries.

I've never for one minute doubted that he's made positive contributions to this club and am forever grateful to him for 2005 and the like, but the way he's carried on both this year and last year with Beau/Heighno leaving has unfortunately eroded this legacy for mine.

 

[citizen_cub]

pffft….one 'solid' game and it's sweet eh? What a joke

No, it is more like two seasons of poor form doesn't make the previous seven any less impressive. I never said he has played well for us this year or that his form couldn't improve. But, in his career, he overcame many serious injuries and produced sublime play for a long time. He has been woeful this year, but most people here believe he shouldn't be at halfback.So, I don't think it is such a 'joke' to draw attention to the positive aspects of his contribution to the club.

He's had 3 particularly goods seasons and the other 4 you mention of were in fact plagued by inconsistency or injuries.

I've never for one minute doubted that he's made positive contributions to this club and am forever grateful to him for 2005 and the like, but the way he's carried on both this year and last year with Beau/Heighno leaving has unfortunately eroded this legacy for mine.

 

[watersider]

He's had 3 particularly goods seasons and the other 4 you mention of were in fact plagued by either inconsistency or injuries.

I've never for one minute doubted that he's made positive contributions to this club and am forever grateful to him for 2005 and the like, but the way he's carried on both this year and last year with Beau/Heighno leaving has unfortunately eroded this legacy for mine.

that is certainly true about his up and down form for us throughout his career, and there was always a sense that he was going to be better and more consistent as he got older (which didn't happen). But even so, he was a very good player who was very good for the club financially, and it is silly to give precedence to a couple stupid interviews with the media over his play on the field.

 

[TJL]

Yes, he has had one decent game in the last two seasons where he was finally doing his job. Now, what about the other forty odd games where he has played with little or no interest?

Besides that and his general BS in the media the stunt he pulled with the Auckland jumper was beyond poor taste. Think of it this way - you currently have a job with company a and have given them your notice to join company b and while still working for company a you start wearing company b's work gear. What do you think company a would do? Yes, you'd be given a Don't Come Monday.

 

[TurnStyle]

sorry watersider, cant say there is much i agree with you on this one…even in the presser he says he thinks he is "leaving the club in _pretty_ good hands." pfft. pfft indeed. arrogant.

also, last i saw the tigers arent doing so well financially, not to mention it was his decision to leave with two years left...

 

[reyre2000]

Benji has received a lot of criticism on here, and his form has certainly been poor. But, I think we have been too harsh when it comes to questions around his effort and commitment to the club. His good performance on Saturday highlights the fact that he is at his best when playing out wide, which is something most people have been saying here. So, I'd say his poor form was due more to playing out of position rather than any lack of effort. It is a shame he wasn't moved out wide earlier.

The press conference after the match was also well done by benji. Sitting next to Brooks and Potter, one who is going to replace him and the other who would have had a significant hand in him not getting the contract he wanted, Benji was full of praise for Brooks and positive about the clubs future. It also seemed obvious that Brooks valued Benji's input and that Benji had helped him. I think that shows benji isn't as selfish as many have stated. Benji spoke with genuine pride about Brooks and the club's future, and that was really good to see.

I think it would have been interesting seeing him next year at centre for us, but it is probably better for the club to spend the $750 000 he would have taken on our promising juniors.So I think Benji is leaving at the right time, and I think, beside the distasteful blues video, he has handled his exit without seeming bitter or upset by the decision.

Could we, therefore, all try to be a little bit more respectfu towards a player who clearly is doing his best for the club (even if that isn't great) and recognise that he has been a big influence on the popularity and financial wellbeing of the club for a long time (this can most clearly been seen over the last two years, as I'm sure everyone would agree that it is no coincidence that his poor form has matched our on and off field problems). This is a burden he's carried pretty comfortably for a long time, and he deserves more credit than the sort of comments his poor form over the last two years has caused on here.

You need to get off the gear mate. This guy could score first and last try and set up another 5 in the next couple of matches and he would still go out in my eyes as an absolute muppet that threw away his legacy with idiotic and childish behavior this year. I appreciate the 3 good years he actually had but i cant look past the 7 or 8 that was just butt average.

 

[watersider]

Yes, he has had one decent game in the last two seasons where he was finally doing his job. Now, what about the other forty odd games where he has played with little or no interest?

My point is that poor form doesn't mean he was playing with a lack of effort. I think Benji's problem has always been that he overplays too often, not the opposite. Defensively he has always been fragile, but on a bad team that is going to be highlighted, and that has certainly proven to be the case this year.

In response to his comments in the media: again, who cares what people say in the media?

 

[watersider]

sorry watersider, cant say there is much i agree with you on this one…even in the presser he says he thinks he is "leaving the club in _pretty_ good hands." pfft. pfft indeed. arrogant.

also, last i saw the tigers arent doing so well financially, not to mention it was his decision to leave with two years left...

I said he has been good for the club financially, not that the club is in a good financial position. He isn't responsible for the state of our club. If you seriously don't agree, if you really believe channel 9 would have put us on television as many times as they did without him and that this isn't a major reason why we have been able to attract quality corporate sponsorship, then I just think your in denial. But, he isn't CEO, so pointing out that the club isn't strong financially now, isn't a reflection of his positive influence, he doesn't make the decisions at the club.

 

[wtigers]

sorry watersider, cant say there is much i agree with you on this one…even in the presser he says he thinks he is "leaving the club in _pretty_ good hands." pfft. pfft indeed. arrogant.

also, last i saw the tigers arent doing so well financially, not to mention it was his decision to leave with two years left...

He was using the exact same language as Potter in that video what are you on about? It's not as if he was saying "I'm better than Brooks" ever potter avoided saying "Brooks was fantastic"

_Posted using RoarFEED 2013_

 

[wtigers]

I'm with ya mate, people are too hard towards Benji, and it's good to see that some people think its inappropriate to verbally abuse someone at any chance because they don't like the footy they're playing

_Posted using RoarFEED 2013_

 

[Tim Sheens]

Yes, he has had one decent game in the last two seasons where he was finally doing his job. Now, what about the other forty odd games where he has played with little or no interest?

My point is that poor form doesn't mean he was playing with a lack of effort. I think Benji's problem has always been that he overplays too often, not the opposite. Defensively he has always been fragile, but on a bad team that is going to be highlighted, and that has certainly proven to be the case this year.

In response to his comments in the media: again, who cares what people say in the media?

Support is a good thing, and I mostly agree with your sentiment. However, whilst it may seem trivial to some, I like a lot of others was disgusted to see him parading in other colours, regardless of the code. It was very disrespectful and something that I did not expect from him, with the lack of remorse afterwards extremely disappointing.

 

[Newtown]

The saying "How quickly we forget" is unfortunately true of human nature and it is currently being practised by some WT fans. These are the same fans that cheered and carried on when Benji was at his brilliant best and the player who was instrumental in winning us our first premiership - something that a number of clubs in this competition have never achieved in their lifetime. Yet when he loses form, just like any footballer is prone to do, there is all this hate against him. O.K. so 2013 is a write off but please think of the joy he has brought to you and other fans and the voluntary work which he has carried out unnoticed.

With regards to the Blues video I firmly believe that he was pressured into it by the Auckland club. No video no contract. By the way most you criticising Benji have now change your stance on SBW and now think he is a genius irrespective of what he did to rugby league years ago.

 

[TurnStyle]

I said he has been good for the club financially, not that the club is in a good financial position. He isn't responsible for the state of our club. If you seriously don't agree, if you really believe channel 9 would have put us on television as many times as they did without him and that this isn't a major reason why we have been able to attract quality corporate sponsorship, then I just think your in denial. But, he isn't CEO, so pointing out that the club isn't strong financially now, isn't a reflection of his positive influence, he doesn't make the decisions at the club.

im not in denial about anything. i dont confess to knowing the marketing value marshall has brought to the club, and it is a moot point to say that without him at the club the tigers would or would not be financially better off.

you said he has had a large positive effect on the finances of the club, so how do you quantify that? and what are you basing this off?

either the club is doing well financially or not…

im not going to get into a whole debate over this, but i think it is an indictment that for so much of his career people have had to use fallbacks such as "would channel 9 have put the tigers on tv without him?" because he simply hasnt given anyone defending him the backup of actually being good at what he is paid so well for: playing rugby league.

 

[TurnStyle]

The saying "How quickly we forget" is unfortunately true of human nature and it is currently being practised by some WT fans. These are the same fans that cheered and carried on when Benji was at his brilliant best and the player who was instrumental in winning us our first premiership - something that a number of clubs in this competition have never achieved in their lifetime.

i hope you dont classify me in this category?! i have only ever criticised him as a rugby league player.