I think Marshall has struggled all year, but I don't think this is because he doesn't want to play well. He's either physically or mentally not up to the task, his confidence is down after a bad season, or the team's just so disorganised that no one can get it together and find a rhythm. I think it's a combination of all of these things. I don't think anyone playing any sport ever goes out to lose.
I was never a rugby league player, I played the round ball no hands game into my mid 20's. I was never much good but I played lower grades at Uni and then played a bit of district soccer after I left college. I can totally relate to that feeling that you've somehow forgotten how to play when you have a few bad games in a row, and nothing seems to go right for you. You start hanging back from the play, feeling like a passenger.
What always helped me find my Mojo again was a friendly against an inferior team. Like we used to play training games against the university women's team. Girls don't run as fast, so there was suddenly all this extra time and space around me, which gave me time to think on the ball without the pressure on me.
Parramatta is the closest you'll get to playing against girls short of moving to the English Superleague. I think Benji might just find some opportunities to be himself and produce a bit of class up against numpties. Might even put some points on and carry some confidence into the Roosters game.
I stand by my original prediction that the Tigers will be up by a few tries at halftime, and finish up winning by two points.
