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Benji Marshall reveals running game plan for Tigers
Tyson Otto
The Daily Telegraph
February 11, 2013 4:41PM
WESTS Tigers superstar Benji Marshall wants to become the running man in 2013 with a return from halfback to five-eighth lifting the shackles off his attacking game.
Weighed down by the strict responsibility of steering his team around the park during a disastrous 2012 season where they finished 10th, Marshall now has the freedom to focus solely on cracking open defensive lines.
The 27-year-old New Zealand captain says he wants to charge the line more this season and has bulked up during pre-season training in the gym to hit the line with more explosive power.
2011 Holden Cup halfback of the year, 20-year-old Jacob Miller, has been given the job of making the No. 7 halfback jersey his own, after getting five NRL games under his belt in 2012.
New coach Mick Potter has also told Marshall to back himself with the ball in hand.
"I want to run the ball a bit more," Marshall said during a visit to Holy Spirit School in North Ryde this afternoon.
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Benji Marshall trains with the NRL All Stars last week. Picture: Brett Costello
"I know last year my running game was down a bit. I was probably trying to ball play too much. I set up a few tries, but I want to score a few this year.
"(Mick) just told me he wants me to play my game which is pretty much running the ball and get me away from being the guy who directs the team around the field. Just concentrate on being wider and having a bit more space."
Marshall said he did not want to divulge exact details, but said he has boosted his muscle mass "a couple" of kilos during his first pre-season in five years at the Tigers.
"I've really enjoyed it. I've had a chance to put on a bit of size. To try to get a bit stronger for the season.
"For me it's been the first pre-season I've had in five years because there was no tour.
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Benji Marshall in full flight at Tigers training. Picture: Craig Wilson
"It's been one of the toughest. I remember back when I was younger it was still tough and old school. Mick Potter's sort of brought back that old school mentality of running until you collapse pr run until you vomit."
It means the pressure falls on Miller to lay the platform for Marshall and captain Robbie Farah to weave their magic.
Miller said it was his responsibility to take the pressure off Marshall this season.
"That's one of my strengths, organising," Miller said.
"If I can just chip in here and there and take a bit of pressure off Benji that'll benefit the team.
"We've done a lot on percentage plays. It's starting to come together nicely."
Marshall is expected to make his first appearance for the Tigers in 2013 when they take on Parramatta at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday.
Tyson Otto
The Daily Telegraph
February 11, 2013 4:41PM
WESTS Tigers superstar Benji Marshall wants to become the running man in 2013 with a return from halfback to five-eighth lifting the shackles off his attacking game.
Weighed down by the strict responsibility of steering his team around the park during a disastrous 2012 season where they finished 10th, Marshall now has the freedom to focus solely on cracking open defensive lines.
The 27-year-old New Zealand captain says he wants to charge the line more this season and has bulked up during pre-season training in the gym to hit the line with more explosive power.
2011 Holden Cup halfback of the year, 20-year-old Jacob Miller, has been given the job of making the No. 7 halfback jersey his own, after getting five NRL games under his belt in 2012.
New coach Mick Potter has also told Marshall to back himself with the ball in hand.
"I want to run the ball a bit more," Marshall said during a visit to Holy Spirit School in North Ryde this afternoon.
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Benji Marshall trains with the NRL All Stars last week. Picture: Brett Costello
"I know last year my running game was down a bit. I was probably trying to ball play too much. I set up a few tries, but I want to score a few this year.
"(Mick) just told me he wants me to play my game which is pretty much running the ball and get me away from being the guy who directs the team around the field. Just concentrate on being wider and having a bit more space."
Marshall said he did not want to divulge exact details, but said he has boosted his muscle mass "a couple" of kilos during his first pre-season in five years at the Tigers.
"I've really enjoyed it. I've had a chance to put on a bit of size. To try to get a bit stronger for the season.
"For me it's been the first pre-season I've had in five years because there was no tour.
\
\
Benji Marshall in full flight at Tigers training. Picture: Craig Wilson
"It's been one of the toughest. I remember back when I was younger it was still tough and old school. Mick Potter's sort of brought back that old school mentality of running until you collapse pr run until you vomit."
It means the pressure falls on Miller to lay the platform for Marshall and captain Robbie Farah to weave their magic.
Miller said it was his responsibility to take the pressure off Marshall this season.
"That's one of my strengths, organising," Miller said.
"If I can just chip in here and there and take a bit of pressure off Benji that'll benefit the team.
"We've done a lot on percentage plays. It's starting to come together nicely."
Marshall is expected to make his first appearance for the Tigers in 2013 when they take on Parramatta at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday.
