Benji: Too timid, too reactive: I've become a shadow of myse

[PYMBLEPETE]

One question…...

What happens if he clicks and resurrects his 2010/2011 form again, carries the team into the top 8?

When the team was firing and he was at his magical best for 7 years, you the fans labelled him "The Messiah" Now he has an 18 month form slump and 95% of you want him gone? Laws of averages say he's done more good than bad for this club. You want to bet against 7 years of brilliance against 18 months of bad?

Some brave people here.

I think he still has something to offer. I'm not ready to let him go just yet.

As they say, "never bet against a champion."

Sometimes you are just slow to the party Chris. You posted more or less the same about Sheens a couple of years ago before finally having to acknowledge that time was up.

I'm not joining the lynch mob on Benji, but I dont think he is playing well enough to justify his place in the team at the moment.

 

[Anthism]

LOL@BUNJI

^ yeah thanks for that.
\
\
Just to clarify a few things:
A) What is Benji's "journalist" column contract with SMH involve in terms of how many articles does he HAVE to write? Is there a specific time he has to write them?
B) Has the club actually confirmed the reports about WT trying to re-sign Benji this year for X amount of money?

TBH depending on the answers the hate may or may not be justified.

Regardless of that, the SMH pays him to write these articles about himself. Would you like it any better if he said "we lost on Friday because we dropped balls and couldn't defend up the middle"?

Like it or not, Benji's form is the reason we made the finals the limited times we did. It's not a coincidence. If we are to have any chance of doing anything whilst our youth are coming along, it really is up to him. Farah can carry the team along each week but without Benji having any form we aren't going to compete anywhere near the top 8, this year or next. This year may be a write off at this stage but it would make me feel slightly better if we could at least show we have some promise and potential next year.

 

[JD1]

Ok, I will bite…

To me, the definition of an empty life would be filling the void by vicariously adopting a sportsperson, and them providing the most enriching and exciting moments in your life. Im also not too sure how my supposed short memory could make me depressed. To my way of thinking if my memory was that bad, even if i was depressed, I would soon forget why and return to a more normal happy state of being... Finally, I am quite sure Im not all there, but if the person on the interweb with a pretend son thinks I am mentally ill, I will take their word for it as he can probably smell his own kind.

Have a good night.

Mate, Im quick to notice benji down on form, this is football everyone has these difficult times and your obviously not getting the point im trying to make. Im not sure what you do for a living, but performing constantly at the elite level you set for yourself is not easy and I dont think benji has been down on form for 18months, this year YES he has been, but last year he was still getting our scoreboard ticking over, which is what he needs to do. Lets face it benji has been told alot of things in his career, do this, do that and they are just IDEAS. He has this idea in his head of what type of footballer he needs to be, rather than adapting to the situation the game prescribes and this has always been his problem.

I hope benji can overcome his shortcomings, but I will be forever grateful for what he has brought to the wests tigers club. The amount of children I have seen with such joy and the way they embrace the charismatic benji marshall is phenomenal and then for a man like you to come in a bag him like this is insane, do you remember 2005? do you remember seeing a young 23 year old in tears injurying his shoulder multiple times and then coming back to be the most dangerous player in 2010? I have followed benji through out his career, his lows, his highs, his utter stupidness and I've enjoyed every second. I'll have a conversation with anyone willing about the parts of benjis game, but just like those kids who wear tigers jerseys with the number 6 on there back I'll fire up when someone is bagging him and so should you.

Benji is playing in a team, who have not yet invtented themselves, they need a personalty and by god benji is someone who can contribute there.

 

[JD1]

THAT WOULD USUALLY BE THE END OF MY INPUT INTO AN ARTICLE LIKE THIS BUT HOWEVER ITS NOT, I HAVE ONE MORE THING TO ADRESS HERE.

The reaction on this place to marshalls form is more disturbing then anything, Benji is like a son to me, watching him grow up a tiger has without a doubt been one of the most enriching and exciting things in my life to date, its amazing how much joy he really has given me. Lately it has been sapped and I hold most of you accountable, it really is sickening to know these are the fans I unite with in a win. By all means hold him acountable for his form he is a man and a footballer, but we are his family and with such a destructive family, why would he fight for them? Please some of you have a holiday from this forum, it wont miss you.

:sign:

Well said JD…..the vitriol aimed at one of our all time greats has been nothing short of disgraceful.

Im disgusted in to go for the same team as these absolute clowns.

A huge BOO and I cant wait for Benji to slay it again and all you worms to crawl back into your little holes.

:imp: :imp:

When's that going to happen?

I guess you must not enjoy supporting a team as much as me…..

 

[tig_prmz]

people here are venting about others venting about benji, then telling them to get a life.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

THAT WOULD USUALLY BE THE END OF MY INPUT INTO AN ARTICLE LIKE THIS BUT HOWEVER ITS NOT, I HAVE ONE MORE THING TO ADRESS HERE.

The reaction on this place to marshalls form is more disturbing then anything, Benji is like a son to me, watching him grow up a tiger has without a doubt been one of the most enriching and exciting things in my life to date, its amazing how much joy he really has given me. Lately it has been sapped and I hold most of you accountable, it really is sickening to know these are the fans I unite with in a win. By all means hold him acountable for his form he is a man and a footballer, but we are his family and with such a destructive family, why would he fight for them? Please some of you have a holiday from this forum, it wont miss you.

:sign:

Well said JD…..the vitriol aimed at one of our all time greats has been nothing short of disgraceful.

Im disgusted in to go for the same team as these absolute clowns.

A huge BOO and I cant wait for Benji to slay it again and all you worms to crawl back into your little holes.

:imp: :imp:

When's that going to happen?

I guess you must not enjoy supporting a team as much as me…..

I'd suggest getting yourself an imaginary girlfriend before you talk about having an imaginary son

 

[coopy]

I think people are being a bit hard on Benji. I will give him some latitude for coming out and saying he is performing badly. To me that shows he at least cares (not so sure about some of his team mates - one in particular) and that he recognises the problem, which is the first step to resolution. I also believes he is currently playing injured and is trying to do the right thing by the team in during the injury crisis.

I also believe Benji's problem is like one I have seen many times in workplaces. For example, I have some very technical people who are excellent at their role. The natural assumption is that they will one day escalate into management as they are outstanding at what they do however they often fail because the skills it take to do the technical role are not the same as a managerial role.

In the same way, Benji thinks he is the manager because his skill level is outstanding. He assumes he is a leader and is responsible and therefore puts pressure on himself to perform. Fixing the issue may be as simple as saying Benji - "do what do you and don't worry about anybody else. If you make a mistake, that's fine as well because you are only responsible for your performance and not the teams".

Anybody who says that he is paid big dollars and therefore should take on added responsibility etc is incorrect as well. We pay him the big dollars to do what he does well and not what we think he should be doing.

Perhaps removing from the leadership group and vice captaincy will give him enough freedom to find his mojo - afterall Benji was at his best when he was enjoying himself.

 

[simonthetiger]

I'd suggest getting yourself an imaginary girlfriend before you talk about having an imaginary son

Even by your low standards that is a low blow.

Good one JD…..don't let this clown bring you down.You are tops in my book.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

I'd suggest getting yourself an imaginary girlfriend before you talk about having an imaginary son

Even by your low standards that is a low blow.

Good one JD…..don't let this clown bring you down.You are tops in my book.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWdd6_ZxX8c

:slight_smile: :slight_smile:

 

[Highlands_Tiger]

I wouldn't like to see Benji Marshall quit the Tigers like a few forum members have advocated as I still believe he has a lot to offer on the field.
But I would be a bit hesitant at this time in giving him a long term deal until he stops thinking he is the superstar of years ago and starts showing that form
I don't take any notice of what he writes or says and don't take notice of what any Management or Coaches say about form, all I know is that when I go to C/Town stadium to watch the Tigers home games and see Benji playing like a shadow of his former self then it's time for him to stop "Talkin' the Talk and Start Walkin' the Walk"

 

[Paris_Cobbs]

I am with those who have expressed surprise/horror at the amount of anger directed at Benji in this thread. He remains one of our two or three greatest players in the history of Wests Tigers.He deserves our respect and support.

That he is prepared to admit publicly that his recent form (2013, not 2012 when he had more try assists that anyone else in the NRL) has not been good is a creditable thing. He is recovering from an injury, which I'm convinced was aggravated early in the Sharks game when he rolled onto his foot after Koro tried to pass the ball in goal. Look at the highlights package.

It is more 'normal' in Rugby League circles to behave the way Johns and Fittler did during the telecast of the game than it is to openly admit to having feelings. There should be room in our game for both kinds of 'manhood'.

The anger on here seems to me to be mostly about 'manhood' and how some people think a 'real man' should behave. Surely a real man is able to admit his faults and work to eradicate them.

I said in another thread that it was bound to be Benji who would be most affected by Sheens' demise. The other thing is that the loss of Gareth Ellis, Beau Ryan, Lote Tuquiri and recently Chris Lawrence has meant that Benji has no more 'runners' left to feed, except occasionally Liam Fulton. He can't take the line on successfully without the threat of passing to someone running onto the ball. In the game vs the Sharks he had no runners. We need to train up some new ones fast. This is a job to be undertaken by Benji and Potter, surely.

Get behind him and pray that he regains form, because we need him. And don't kid yurselves that no NRL team would be interested in him, as well as French and Japanese Rugby waving BIG bucks!

 

[innsaneink]

My only problem with him is he hasnt progressed at all for several years, he has in fact regressed and if a NZ test team were chosen I doubt he'd be picked.
That and the fact any up and coming rookie halves have to adapt to his way of playing, which is near on impossible to do with an off the cuff player like benji that has a truckload of errors in him most games- which just puts any new halves partner under pressure.
I think he too - like Sheens has become stale, has no new strings to his bow and like someone else mentioned a new club would be best for all concerned, but it wont happen, he'll be re-signed in the week leading up to the cowboys game

 

[Paris_Cobbs]

I left out Tim Moltzen in Benji's list of 'lost' targets, sorry Tim. Last season, Tim scored more tries off Benji set-ups than anyone.

 

[laufoofan]

If someone can't do it anymore, move on, let somene else who can do the job do it, instead of giving excuses frequently that it has become an embarrassment. If you do that you are still the champion for what you have done in the past and be remembered as that. The club cannot expect to carry you and still be successful for your pay can go to someone who can perform instead of occupying the cap. There are otherthings you can do in life and you can do it well without question. Meanwhile you have to realise when you get older you become slower and the young ones can do it faster and better than you. You also need to have guts to take the line on or a front line tackle to stop a try. If you can't do this, the honorable thing is to give it away.I like to remeber you as the champion you are, not another one that bluch on the club.

 

[system]

Nothing this guy says or does surprises me anymore. Just look at his track record:

- Has stated he just wants to play with his mates
- Went on for yrs about how he never wanted to play under anyone else but Sheens cos apparently he was the best coach in the game, despite never being coached by anyone else to even test that theory
- When Sheens was negotiating with Penrith in 2011, the public spectacle he made of himself was laughable. Almost was reduced to tears on The Footy Show when discussing the possibility of Sheens not staying on
- Walked into his kitchen and cried when he found out his two best friends were leaving and were moving 20km's down the road. I actually found this admission disgusting considering in the same week players from the Port Adelaide football club were left reeling and grieving over the death of a team mate on an end of season trip. So while those poor guys are grieving over the death of a teammate and preparing to attend a funeral, Benj's crying in his kitchen about 2 of his teammates signing to play elsewhere. Pretty petulant in the scheme of things right?
- And now we have the puff pieces seemingly once a week now, every article more stomach turning than the next

Its no surprise when you look at his history off the field that he's so enigmatic on it. How can he grow and mature as a footballer when he can't even do it as a man

Give the guy a break… Farout the guy has admitted his playing shit
BUT to judge and critisise him with your above notions is pathetic and disgusting.
He has done more for this club than any other player has and now with no forwards, 8 injuries has taken responsibility.
Typical aussie TALL POPPY SYNDROME

_Posted using RoarFEED 2013_

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Nothing this guy says or does surprises me anymore. Just look at his track record:

- Has stated he just wants to play with his mates
- Went on for yrs about how he never wanted to play under anyone else but Sheens cos apparently he was the best coach in the game, despite never being coached by anyone else to even test that theory
- When Sheens was negotiating with Penrith in 2011, the public spectacle he made of himself was laughable. Almost was reduced to tears on The Footy Show when discussing the possibility of Sheens not staying on
- Walked into his kitchen and cried when he found out his two best friends were leaving and were moving 20km's down the road. I actually found this admission disgusting considering in the same week players from the Port Adelaide football club were left reeling and grieving over the death of a team mate on an end of season trip. So while those poor guys are grieving over the death of a teammate and preparing to attend a funeral, Benj's crying in his kitchen about 2 of his teammates signing to play elsewhere. Pretty petulant in the scheme of things right?
- And now we have the puff pieces seemingly once a week now, every article more stomach turning than the next

Its no surprise when you look at his history off the field that he's so enigmatic on it. How can he grow and mature as a footballer when he can't even do it as a man

Give the guy a break… Farout the guy has admitted his playing s***
BUT to judge and critisise him with your above notions is pathetic and disgusting.
He has done more for this club than any other player has and now with no forwards, 8 injuries has taken responsibility.
Typical aussie TALL POPPY SYNDROME

_Posted using RoarFEED 2013_

How about putting a face to your post?

Yeah he's admitted it. How many times does he have to admit it before he does something about it?

 

[pHyR3]

How do you know what he's doing behind the scenes mate? For all we know he could be, and likely IS, busting his gut tryna become worthy of the name Benji Marshall and figuring out what he's gottta do but it's not working for him! I have no idea, but deep down i hope that is what he is doing and it will come together for him in the next few games. 😛ray:

 

[stryker]

people here are venting about others venting about benji, then telling them to get a life.

It is only aimed at some of you.

Others are quite capable of expressing themselves without labelling Benji a fat, lazy, money grubbing, fame [This word has been automatically removed] who doesnt give a crap about his team mates nor his club.
Some are able to get their point across that he doesnt deserve a pay bump at the moment without labelling him an arrogant thief and making up rumours that everyone at the Tigers hates his guts. Some are even capable of holding a civil discussion about our club legend without resorting to telling him to piss off back to NZ, go back to reggies where he belongs and calling him a disgraceful embarrassment.

For the record, I dont think Benji is playing well, doesnt deserve a new contract at the moment and on current form needs to lift ASAP or alternate routes should be explored. There how easy was that? Got my personal opinion out without bad mouthing the bloke, nor sprouting the same rubbish 50 different ways in 20 different threads….

 

[pHyR3]

people here are venting about others venting about benji, then telling them to get a life.

It is only aimed at some of you.

Others are quite capable of expressing themselves without labelling Benji a fat, lazy, money grubbing, fame [This word has been automatically removed] who doesnt give a crap about his team mates nor his club.
Some are able to get their point across that he doesnt deserve a pay bump at the moment without labelling him an arrogant thief and making up rumours that everyone at the Tigers hates his guts. Some are even capable of holding a civil discussion about our club legend without resorting to telling him to piss off back to NZ, go back to reggies where he belongs and calling him a disgraceful embarrassment.

For the record, I dont think Benji is playing well, doesnt deserve a new contract at the moment and on current form needs to lift ASAP or alternate routes should be explored. There how easy was that? Got my personal opinion out without bad mouthing the bloke, nor sprouting the same rubbish 50 different ways in 20 different threads….

voice of reason as per usual :slight_smile:

 

[stevetiger]

For the record, I dont think Benji is playing well, doesnt deserve a new contract at the moment and on current form needs to lift ASAP or alternate routes should be explored. There how easy was that? Got my personal opinion out without bad mouthing the bloke, nor sprouting the same rubbish 50 different ways in 20 different threads….

To me this is pretty obvious. I don't get the stuff that is being made up at all.