Benji Marshall is being flogged to death by so many posts.
My view is Marshall came along at the right time for the club in 2005 and played a big hand in winning us the comp. He did have a proper half back in the form of Scott Prince. He pulled Wests Tigers out of the dodrums and won us many fans with exciting brand of RL. I will always hold a special place for Marshall and the 2005 team.
The club, including Marshall and Sheens lived in the glow of the 2005 victory and to a large extent to our determent. Prime example Sheens contract should never been extended and should have let him go to Penrith years ago. His poor recruitment and "boys club" has now caused many of the current problems.
Marshall is a very special player and has provided so many highlights over the years and inspired so many young people to copy him and support our great club and game.
Come 2013 and Marshall appears to have gone backwards with his game. He misses a lot of tackles and his kicking game, running game, passing game and options are poor for a player of his ability and standing in the game. Does not seem to be interested and to me is influencing our current results.
Marshall to me also represents the old Wests Tigers which includes Sheens and the players moved on over the last couple of years. Boys club who appear to have much influence around the club and coach. I feel sorry Potter has to pick up the pieces.
We need to change the culture of the club to move forward to be successful and to me Marshall is part of the problem.
Marshall to me does not add value for money, no longer the player he once was and not the way forward in 2014\. Hard decisions need to be made like Penrith and Parramatta are undertaking even if players like Marshall are the one to be moved on.
Brooks and Moses appear to be the new generation and I would hate to lose them to another club as we try to live in the past and keep Marshall beyond 2013.
We won the under 20's and runners up in State Cup last year so we have talent coming through the ranks which we can build a sucessful era which all supporters and sponsers want.
I am excited watching Koro, Nofo, Simona, Sue (my favourite), Woods, Buchanan (I know St George junior), Ava, Sirro and Brooks and Moses when their time is due.
I am no longer excited seeing Marshall, Lawrence, Blair perform as shadows of their former selves and living off past glories. Thank you for the memories but we need to rebuild or accept coming bottom each year.
I am looking over the next 2 years as contacts expire to move on Marshall, Lawrence, Ashyford, Blair, Anasta, Pettybourne, Bell, Reddy, Lote, Utai etc and bring through the new generation and with it sucess and a new culture.
Also need to allow Potter time to rebuild the club and culture around Farah and Fulton (these guys bleed Wests Tigers) and can help the club move forward.
