Benji needs back up

[hugh1954]

I think we have had tremendous service from Benji the first 5 rounds but are we asking to much of a player who hasn't had a full season with big minutes for some years.
Benji needs someone to give him good rest minutes during a game, (Gamble, Lolo) right now
When Reynolds comes back he could come off the bench until he has some game time then swap bench positions with Benji
These days we seem to have very close games and it would be good to have a steady thinking player with a good kicking game like Reynolds, Benji, Lolo to come on under instruction and close out games.

 

[king_sirro]

I think he's getting through games well physically. Just needs to improve some decisions

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

I think he's getting through games well physically. Just needs to improve some decisions

Yes I think he's starting to fall back into bad habits at times. Now he's bagged a few tries and put on some attacking displays he's forgetting when to kick for field position etc.

Evidence of this was failing to attempt a field goal when Newcastle moved 95m downfield and scored. Pot the FG from 10m, take your time getting reset, 5 hit ups, kick for field position and the scrum and burn more time.

 

[851]

I think he's getting through games well physically. Just needs to improve some decisions

I agree bad Benji comes back every game now, the first month was good, but not now.
Hope he gets an off field role next year, not a contract extension

 

[stevied]

No, I don't think he has issues getting through the 80\. Yes, I think that we're in agreement that we want Benji to play a mature, tempered game, one of a steadying influence on the rest of the team. This involves dishing off to the forwards and outside backs, well placed kicks and the occasional run to straighten the attack and keep the defense honest. What we don't need are runs across field, frantic passes or attempts at the miracle play. Please Benji, stay calm, realise that you are no longer a 22 year old with elite skills and let Brooksy do most of the play making!

 

[jrtiger]

I think it's too early in the season to make a decision on his body. Nearly everybody with the exception of Packer, Thompson, Marsters & Liddle has been good and bad in patches, this week will show where Benji's form is at.

 

[Geo]

Should be dropped based on very poor defensive decisions last week…give Gamble a go...

 

[Tacky]

Should be dropped based on very poor defensive decisions last week…give Gamble a go...

I can't tell when you're being sarcastic anymore

 

[larrycorowa]

He will get plenty of rest when grub is good to go

 

[tigerap]

He will get plenty of rest when grub is good to go

Exactly…till then he fulfills his role....

 

[gallagher]

I agree with the OP. I think hes struggling mentally and physically at times. A rest during the game would help him get his mind back onto the game management and temper his excitement.

 

[Tim Sheens]

Should be dropped based on very poor defensive decisions last week…give Gamble a go...

I can't tell when you're being sarcastic anymore

You've been here long enough, so just go with a default yes.

 

[Demps]

Standard Benji…
Fades towards the end of the halves.
Needs to stay focused.

 

[TIGER]

I think even in his good games we've seen little bits of bad Benji rearing it's head.
There's always gonna be bad Benji trying to come out, it's a constant battle I think.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

I think even in his good games we've seen little bits of bad Benji rearing it's head.
There's always gonna be bad Benji trying to come out, it's a constant battle I think.

Not the first two weeks. He was close to flawless.

 

[Eddie]

I agree Benji looks tired at times.

However I think he has been outstanding on the whole.

Hopefully a fresh Reynolds later in the season can ease the burden on him somewhat.

I cant see Benji being consistently excellent in the 24 round slog.

 

[TigerSJ]

Tough audience! - Benji won us the first few games, and in the others it has been his presence that has allowed Brooks to play a prominent role. I strongly believe we would not be 5 and 2 if Reynolds had been our no.6\. Perhaps he could have saved the day again last week but he was not the reason we lost that game. For me, he has been far better and already played a more important role in our current success and development than I ever expected (and probably most people ever expected) - and yes, I've always been a fan of his. How about we show all our players the respect they have earned.
As to his mistake rate - that is part of his character and always has been. He is capable of genius but with that comes stuff that makes you cringe. At the moment his good stuff is well outweighing his bad and until Reynolds can prove that he is abetter no.6 for our team, I'm supporting Benji.

 

[hugh1954]

Not trying to rubbish Benji in any way, just saying its starting to show that he needs to be used when not under duress so that those brain snaps we all remember from the past don't start appearing in numbers.

 

[Basil_Tiger]

He will get plenty of rest when grub is good to go

Yeah,but how much more can Reynolds battered body stand,i can't see him lasting another 3 Seasons.

Benji is going Ok but needs Brooks to be more consistent and attract attention away from his(Benji) plays.
Too many poor decisions,and especially grubber kicks, by Brooks in the Newcastle game.

 

[Onthebus]

Every player makes key decisions and errors in games, Benji is human after all.