Marshall dropped

[Tiger5150]

Benji has been hard done by to be dropped. He usually causes trouble for the Raiders' defence. He has Reynolds covered and imo bringing him into the team is a retrograde step. Energy does not make up for the lack of polish in a half. Josh should be paying Benji half his contract.


Totally agree with this. Josh will bring "*energy*" but we need organisation and poise, implementing a game plan.

My prediction is that Reynolds bursts into the game buzzing to show how much "*energy*" he has and he will run when he should have passed and stifle our backline. If we need someone to close out a game, Reynolds is the guy you want?


If thats your main concern, then we'll be ok. Benji as an alternative to close out a game is laughable.


Well I can at least remember Benji doing it two weeks ago against Sharks, Im sure there were others over the years, my recollection of Reynolds is barren.


You're absolutely right. He did against the sharks. He had a very good game. That is the only instance in his career that he has guided the team to a controlled victory in my opinion. I wish you all the luck in the world in finding another. He is probably the most uncontrolled bloke in his position in the history of the game. He's like my dog which I swear has issues with self control. He's always on edge and makes dumb decisions when it matters. For years and years, we've either lost the unlosable after leading by a huge amount or come from behind to grab a ridiculously unexpected win. That's how he rolls. Park footy for him. I've said it before - Until he leaves, we will continue to never make the finals.


Two weeks ago.

Ok...now,,,your example of REynolds doing it?


Im not making an argument for Reynolds doing it.

Except you did. you said that if I was using closing a game out as reason for having Benji over REynolds, it is laughable. You and I both agree that Benji did it two weeks ago. I have no recollection of Reynolds ever doing it. Prove me wrong to make your case that it is "*laughable*"....he he he

 

[rustycage]

Benji has been hard done by to be dropped. He usually causes trouble for the Raiders' defence. He has Reynolds covered and imo bringing him into the team is a retrograde step. Energy does not make up for the lack of polish in a half. Josh should be paying Benji half his contract.


Totally agree with this. Josh will bring "*energy*" but we need organisation and poise, implementing a game plan.

My prediction is that Reynolds bursts into the game buzzing to show how much "*energy*" he has and he will run when he should have passed and stifle our backline. If we need someone to close out a game, Reynolds is the guy you want?


If thats your main concern, then we'll be ok. Benji as an alternative to close out a game is laughable.


Well I can at least remember Benji doing it two weeks ago against Sharks, Im sure there were others over the years, my recollection of Reynolds is barren.


You're absolutely right. He did against the sharks. He had a very good game. That is the only instance in his career that he has guided the team to a controlled victory in my opinion. I wish you all the luck in the world in finding another. He is probably the most uncontrolled bloke in his position in the history of the game. He's like my dog which I swear has issues with self control. He's always on edge and makes dumb decisions when it matters. For years and years, we've either lost the unlosable after leading by a huge amount or come from behind to grab a ridiculously unexpected win. That's how he rolls. Park footy for him. I've said it before - Until he leaves, we will continue to never make the finals.


Two weeks ago.

Ok...now,,,your example of REynolds doing it?


Im not making an argument for Reynolds doing it.


Except you did. you said that if I was using closing a game out as reason for having Benji over REynolds, it is laughable. You and I both agree that Benji did it two weeks ago. I have no recollection of Reynolds ever doing it. Prove me wrong to make your case that it is "*laughable*"....he he he

No I didn't. I said that Benji being a better person to close out a game is laughable. Marshall has closed one game in his career in my opinion. That's hardly worthy of praise in that area.

 

[OzLuke]

Benji has been hard done by to be dropped. He usually causes trouble for the Raiders' defence. He has Reynolds covered and imo bringing him into the team is a retrograde step. Energy does not make up for the lack of polish in a half. Josh should be paying Benji half his contract.


Totally agree with this. Josh will bring "*energy*" but we need organisation and poise, implementing a game plan.

My prediction is that Reynolds bursts into the game buzzing to show how much "*energy*" he has and he will run when he should have passed and stifle our backline. If we need someone to close out a game, Reynolds is the guy you want?


If thats your main concern, then we'll be ok. Benji as an alternative to close out a game is laughable.


Well I can at least remember Benji doing it two weeks ago against Sharks, Im sure there were others over the years, my recollection of Reynolds is barren.


You're absolutely right. He did against the sharks. He had a very good game. That is the only instance in his career that he has guided the team to a controlled victory in my opinion. I wish you all the luck in the world in finding another. He is probably the most uncontrolled bloke in his position in the history of the game. He's like my dog which I swear has issues with self control. He's always on edge and makes dumb decisions when it matters. For years and years, we've either lost the unlosable after leading by a huge amount or come from behind to grab a ridiculously unexpected win. That's how he rolls. Park footy for him. I've said it before - Until he leaves, we will continue to never make the finals.


Two weeks ago.

Ok...now,,,your example of REynolds doing it?


Im not making an argument for Reynolds doing it.


Except you did. you said that if I was using closing a game out as reason for having Benji over REynolds, it is laughable. You and I both agree that Benji did it two weeks ago. I have no recollection of Reynolds ever doing it. Prove me wrong to make your case that it is "*laughable*"....he he he


No I didn't. I said that Benji being a better person to close out a game is laughable. Marshall has closed one game in his career in my opinion. That's hardly worthy of praise in that area.

I remember Marshall doing fantastic against the roosters round 1 a couple years ago....especially when Brooks was binned.....didn't close a game but managed it brilliantly

 

[Goanna57]

Benji sitting on 245 games for the club. Will he reach 250?

they will make sure he does...

Probably... And that's one of the problems with this club

No the problem with this club is we keep playing players like Brooks

 

[gallagher]

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/wests-tigers-bombshell-maguire-drops-marshall-after-titans-shocker-20200609-p550vh.html


Benji Marshall has been Michael Maguire's right-hand man since the coach arrived at the club last year. The coach's pet, to some degree. He's involved in team selections, recruitment and retention plans and all leadership meetings.

It's why, when news of Marshall's pending axing started spreading around the club's Concord headquarters after the pair met on Tuesday morning, Tigers players were stunned. None more so than Marshall, who was bemused when letting his frustrations be known to the coach.

Benji Marshall during Sunday night's loss to the Gold Coast Titans.
Benji Marshall during Sunday night's loss to the Gold Coast Titans.CREDIT:GETTY

Marshall cut a dejected figure when Maguire addressed the playing group later in the day to inform them Josh Reynolds would be wearing the No.6 jersey against Canberra on Saturday, dropping the club's most iconic figure because he "didn't meet the standards" against the Titans.

Maguire's decision to dump Marshall was made with the intent of drawing a line in the sand at a club that has perennially underachieved, growing "sick and tired" of the inconsistency. Perhaps the controversial decision to "cut the head off the leader", as Robbie Farah described it, may prove the catalyst for change.

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But in axing Marshall, a player who received man-of-the-match honours in both the Tigers' wins, Maguire has opened the door for murmurs of discontent in the playing ranks towards the hard-nosed coach to undermine what he is trying to build.

When players have turned to Marshall with concerns about the coaching style of Maguire in the past, the veteran has defended him to the hilt. There's no greater supporter of Maguire at the club than Marshall, who was last year also appointed as New Zealand captain by his club coach.

Benji Marshall training with Josh Reynolds.
Benji Marshall training with Josh Reynolds.CREDIT:GETTY

It's why the decision to drop him sends a very strong message to the rest of the team that, if the co-captain and the coach's favourite can be dropped, everyone is on notice.

"I was little bit shocked and disappointed that I got dropped," Marshall said on NRL 360.

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"Any player would be in that position. If you’re competitive and you want to be part of the team, of course you are going to be disappointed ... what the coach has done has really put everyone on notice that we're looking for consistency, so you can't go up one week and down the next week."

There's also a fear internally at the club that it may backfire on Maguire, who has relied so heavily on Marshall to be the conduit between him and his players. That, perhaps the man who played the role as the coach's eyes and ears within the squad, might no longer be watching and listening if the veteran feels disrespected by Maguire's decision.

Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire barking instructions.
Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire barking instructions.

Since arriving at Tigers headquarters in 2019, Maguire has ruffled some feathers - including that of Ryan Matterson, who walked out on the club to link with Parramatta because he didn't want to work under Maguire.

The Tigers, concerned with welfare issues around the players in regards to Maguire's intense training regime, brought in highly regarded high performance manager Andrew Gray in the offseason to control the training workload. Sources at the club say it has done little to change things.

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"He's made some massive calls," retired club legend Farah said of Maguire's host of changes on NRL Teams.

"I think Benji has been our best player in the two wins we've had. I think there are some other players in that side that can count themselves quite lucky, to be honest, because they've been going a lot worse than Benji has.

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"Is Madge looking for a reaction? He's cut the head off the leader, pretty much. So does everyone look at that and say if he's done that, I'm next? He's put everyone on notice by doing this, I just hope he's made the right call because Benji is a leader and this is a club ... that doesn't have any leaders this year."

The decision to drop Marshall is puzzling considering he currently sits equal second alongside Mitchell Moses, Tom Trbojevic and Clint Gutherson on the Dally M leaderboard with six points, one off pace-setter Jason Taumalolo.

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Marshall was famously benched by former Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter back in 2013, which ultimately led to the five-eighth's departure to rugby union and fractured the club given the treatment of the much-loved playmaker.

He is off contract at the end of the year. Many, judging by his performances the last 12 months, thought he would run around again for the Tigers next season. He has also attracted interest from clubs in the Super League, appointing new manager Matt Desira to seek out options. But what Marshall does next year will hinge on how he responds to Maguire's axing. Perhaps history may be repeating itself.


Love the quotes, is this Robbie taking up his ambassador role? At least this time he is undermining the coach from the outside and now able to be quoted rather than sending his manager and other stooges out to leak stories to the media.

Didn't take him long did it?

 

[rustycage]

Benji has been hard done by to be dropped. He usually causes trouble for the Raiders' defence. He has Reynolds covered and imo bringing him into the team is a retrograde step. Energy does not make up for the lack of polish in a half. Josh should be paying Benji half his contract.


Totally agree with this. Josh will bring "*energy*" but we need organisation and poise, implementing a game plan.

My prediction is that Reynolds bursts into the game buzzing to show how much "*energy*" he has and he will run when he should have passed and stifle our backline. If we need someone to close out a game, Reynolds is the guy you want?


If thats your main concern, then we'll be ok. Benji as an alternative to close out a game is laughable.


Well I can at least remember Benji doing it two weeks ago against Sharks, Im sure there were others over the years, my recollection of Reynolds is barren.


You're absolutely right. He did against the sharks. He had a very good game. That is the only instance in his career that he has guided the team to a controlled victory in my opinion. I wish you all the luck in the world in finding another. He is probably the most uncontrolled bloke in his position in the history of the game. He's like my dog which I swear has issues with self control. He's always on edge and makes dumb decisions when it matters. For years and years, we've either lost the unlosable after leading by a huge amount or come from behind to grab a ridiculously unexpected win. That's how he rolls. Park footy for him. I've said it before - Until he leaves, we will continue to never make the finals.


Two weeks ago.

Ok...now,,,your example of REynolds doing it?


Im not making an argument for Reynolds doing it.


Except you did. you said that if I was using closing a game out as reason for having Benji over REynolds, it is laughable. You and I both agree that Benji did it two weeks ago. I have no recollection of Reynolds ever doing it. Prove me wrong to make your case that it is "*laughable*"....he he he


No I didn't. I said that Benji being a better person to close out a game is laughable. Marshall has closed one game in his career in my opinion. That's hardly worthy of praise in that area.

I remember Marshall doing fantastic against the roosters round 1 a couple years ago....especially when Brooks was binned.....didn't close a game but managed it brilliantly

That's the point Marshall has always been rocks and diamonds. A great game here and there and a whole lot of garbage in between.

His point was closing a game.

For someone with so many years experience, not being able to do that simply isn't good enough. Benji was great up until around 2012 or thereabouts and ever since, he's been simply ordinary.

 

[Goanna57]

Benji has been hard done by to be dropped. He usually causes trouble for the Raiders' defence. He has Reynolds covered and imo bringing him into the team is a retrograde step. Energy does not make up for the lack of polish in a half. Josh should be paying Benji half his contract.


Totally agree with this. Josh will bring "*energy*" but we need organisation and poise, implementing a game plan.

My prediction is that Reynolds bursts into the game buzzing to show how much "*energy*" he has and he will run when he should have passed and stifle our backline. If we need someone to close out a game, Reynolds is the guy you want?


If thats your main concern, then we'll be ok. Benji as an alternative to close out a game is laughable.


Well I can at least remember Benji doing it two weeks ago against Sharks, Im sure there were others over the years, my recollection of Reynolds is barren.


You're absolutely right. He did against the sharks. He had a very good game. That is the only instance in his career that he has guided the team to a controlled victory in my opinion. I wish you all the luck in the world in finding another. He is probably the most uncontrolled bloke in his position in the history of the game. He's like my dog which I swear has issues with self control. He's always on edge and makes dumb decisions when it matters. For years and years, we've either lost the unlosable after leading by a huge amount or come from behind to grab a ridiculously unexpected win. That's how he rolls. Park footy for him. I've said it before - Until he leaves, we will continue to never make the finals.

Mate didn’t he leave for a couple of years and we made the finals in that time didn’t we ?

 

[rustycage]

Benji has been hard done by to be dropped. He usually causes trouble for the Raiders' defence. He has Reynolds covered and imo bringing him into the team is a retrograde step. Energy does not make up for the lack of polish in a half. Josh should be paying Benji half his contract.


Totally agree with this. Josh will bring "*energy*" but we need organisation and poise, implementing a game plan.

My prediction is that Reynolds bursts into the game buzzing to show how much "*energy*" he has and he will run when he should have passed and stifle our backline. If we need someone to close out a game, Reynolds is the guy you want?


If thats your main concern, then we'll be ok. Benji as an alternative to close out a game is laughable.


Well I can at least remember Benji doing it two weeks ago against Sharks, Im sure there were others over the years, my recollection of Reynolds is barren.


You're absolutely right. He did against the sharks. He had a very good game. That is the only instance in his career that he has guided the team to a controlled victory in my opinion. I wish you all the luck in the world in finding another. He is probably the most uncontrolled bloke in his position in the history of the game. He's like my dog which I swear has issues with self control. He's always on edge and makes dumb decisions when it matters. For years and years, we've either lost the unlosable after leading by a huge amount or come from behind to grab a ridiculously unexpected win. That's how he rolls. Park footy for him. I've said it before - Until he leaves, we will continue to never make the finals.

Mate didn’t he leave for a couple of years and we made the finals in that time didn’t we ?

No, from memory, 2011 was the last finals appearance under Sheens. Benji left under Potter in 2013 I think.

 

[tony soprano]

Benji has been hard done by to be dropped. He usually causes trouble for the Raiders' defence. He has Reynolds covered and imo bringing him into the team is a retrograde step. Energy does not make up for the lack of polish in a half. Josh should be paying Benji half his contract.


Totally agree with this. Josh will bring "*energy*" but we need organisation and poise, implementing a game plan.

My prediction is that Reynolds bursts into the game buzzing to show how much "*energy*" he has and he will run when he should have passed and stifle our backline. If we need someone to close out a game, Reynolds is the guy you want?


If thats your main concern, then we'll be ok. Benji as an alternative to close out a game is laughable.


Well I can at least remember Benji doing it two weeks ago against Sharks, Im sure there were others over the years, my recollection of Reynolds is barren.


You're absolutely right. He did against the sharks. He had a very good game. That is the only instance in his career that he has guided the team to a controlled victory in my opinion. I wish you all the luck in the world in finding another. He is probably the most uncontrolled bloke in his position in the history of the game. He's like my dog which I swear has issues with self control. He's always on edge and makes dumb decisions when it matters. For years and years, we've either lost the unlosable after leading by a huge amount or come from behind to grab a ridiculously unexpected win. That's how he rolls. Park footy for him. I've said it before - Until he leaves, we will continue to never make the finals.

Mate didn’t he leave for a couple of years and we made the finals in that time didn’t we ?

2011 and he was defo star of team. Thanks for the reminder

 

[Goanna57]

Benji sitting on 245 games for the club. Will he reach 250?

they will make sure he does...

Probably... And that's one of the problems with this club

Spot on, in all honesty, I hope he doesn't, that means Brooks has finally stood up, and the team is winning or at least having a red hot crack

Brooks to finally stand up best one I’ve heard 10 years time you will still be waiting

 

[Spud_Murphy]

Benji Marshall separated from Wests Tigers after 'social distancing incident' with reporter
By WWOS staff
2 hours ago

The Wests Tigers have been reported for a bio-security incident involving co-captain Benji Marshall.

The veteran five-eighth was sent home to self isolate after approaching Seven News reporter Michelle Bishop and exchanging a friendly hug and kiss on the cheek in the car park.


Danny Weidler
✔
@Danny_Weidler
LATEST: @WestsTigers star Benji Marshall has had a “social distancing incident” with a female reporter at Tigers training. The reporter has been sent for a COVID 19 test. A kiss on the cheek has resulted in Benji being separated from the team. @9NewsSyd

Under the NRL's strict bio-security rules Marshall will remain at home on Thursday while the reporter undergoes a COVID-19 test and the matter was reported to the NRL.
@7michellebishop
Just goes to show you, we can all get caught up in life and forget what kind of world we are living in at the moment Off to be tested #innocent #awkward #apologies


In a statement, the club said assuming a negative result is returned, no further action will be required by Marshall or Wests Tigers.

Meanwhile, halfback Luke Brooks says the entire Wests Tigers squad is on notice after former world player of the year Marshall's surprise demotion from the team following the weekend's loss to Gold Coast. "Especially with someone of his name to be dropped, that just shows no one's position is safe if we're not playing good enough footy," said Brooks. "There's a whole other reserve grade team who are training really well at the moment and who are ready to come in to the side."

Even at 35, Marshall is running second in the Dally M Medal count after four rounds of the competition.

So they’ve all just played 160 hours of direct physical contact football against 2 other teams, mixed sweat, hugged each other and shook hands after each game, back slapped each other, sung the team song with arms around each other and numerous hangers on in the dressing room and Benji gets isolated for not keeping social distance with a reporter?? Does anyone else see the stupidity in this? Honestly the contradictions around these COVID -19 restrictions is just laughable.

 

[TigerSJ]

Obviously some very strong opinions of both Marshall and Brooks. It seems much of the dissention is around game management. I don't think it is accurate to say that Benji has never (or only once) been able to manage a game skillfully to a win. When he has received praise since returning to the Tiges, hasn't it always been about how he has 'matured' in his role and how he has taken control of games. I think it is fair to say that he has quite a few runs on the board in this regard. His big problem is CONSISTENCY!
Brooks, I will agree maybe not so many runs on the board, although he did play his part in the win the week before, and that was his first game of the season. As a team we looked far better with him than without him.
One thing I can say is that, as a half it is a lot easier to take control of a game when your forwards have handed you the reins, or when your team is on top and has the momentum, and far more difficult to turn the tide if your team is hanging on. It will often take a special instance or perhaps a break in play where you might just get that opportunity to pull something out, and then it has to be consolidated by the rest of your team, all working together to press that opportunity home. I am afraid that type of effort, enthusiasm, hunger and desire was just not present in the Tigers against the GC.

 

[rustycage]

Obviously some very strong opinions of both Marshall and Brooks. It seems much of the dissention is around game management. I don't think it is accurate to say that Benji has never (or only once) been able to manage a game skillfully to a win. When he has received praise since returning to the Tiges, hasn't it always been about how he has 'matured' in his role and how he has taken control of games. I think it is fair to say that he has quite a few runs on the board in this regard. His big problem is CONSISTENCY!
Brooks, I will agree maybe not so many runs on the board, although he did play his part in the win the week before, and that was his first game of the season. As a team we looked far better with him than without him.
One thing I can say is that, as a half it is a lot easier to take control of a game when your forwards have handed you the reins, or when your team is on top and has the momentum, and far more difficult to turn the tide if your team is hanging on. It will often take a special instance or perhaps a break in play where you might just get that opportunity to pull something out, and then it has to be consolidated by the rest of your team, all working together to press that opportunity home. I am afraid that type of effort, enthusiasm, hunger and desire was just not present in the Tigers against the GC.

Well, feel free to mention all those times. Or even just a couple.

Anyway, moving on.

 

[Tiger5150]

Benji has been hard done by to be dropped. He usually causes trouble for the Raiders' defence. He has Reynolds covered and imo bringing him into the team is a retrograde step. Energy does not make up for the lack of polish in a half. Josh should be paying Benji half his contract.


Totally agree with this. Josh will bring "*energy*" but we need organisation and poise, implementing a game plan.

My prediction is that Reynolds bursts into the game buzzing to show how much "*energy*" he has and he will run when he should have passed and stifle our backline. If we need someone to close out a game, Reynolds is the guy you want?


If thats your main concern, then we'll be ok. Benji as an alternative to close out a game is laughable.


Well I can at least remember Benji doing it two weeks ago against Sharks, Im sure there were others over the years, my recollection of Reynolds is barren.


You're absolutely right. He did against the sharks. He had a very good game. That is the only instance in his career that he has guided the team to a controlled victory in my opinion. I wish you all the luck in the world in finding another. He is probably the most uncontrolled bloke in his position in the history of the game. He's like my dog which I swear has issues with self control. He's always on edge and makes dumb decisions when it matters. For years and years, we've either lost the unlosable after leading by a huge amount or come from behind to grab a ridiculously unexpected win. That's how he rolls. Park footy for him. I've said it before - Until he leaves, we will continue to never make the finals.


Two weeks ago.

Ok...now,,,your example of REynolds doing it?


Im not making an argument for Reynolds doing it.


Except you did. you said that if I was using closing a game out as reason for having Benji over REynolds, it is laughable. You and I both agree that Benji did it two weeks ago. I have no recollection of Reynolds ever doing it. Prove me wrong to make your case that it is "*laughable*"....he he he


No I didn't. I said that Benji being a ***better*** person to close out a game is laughable. Marshall has closed one game in his career in my opinion. That's hardly worthy of praise in that area.

The key word being ***better***. Better than Reynolds. Make you case that that is laughable. List the multiple games that Reynolds has controlled or closed out a game. Reynolds has been flat out playing a cameo in first grade rather than controlling or closing out a game. Benji did it two weeks ago. You are going to have to make your case that it is laughable that Benji is better at doing something that he did 2 weeks ago, compared to someone who has never done it in Tigers colours.

Its clear you dont rate Benji, at thats understandable to be fair, but the idea that he is not better than Reynolds at controlling or closing out a game is, demonstrably, by facts, well.......laughable.

 

[Tiger5150]

Benji has been hard done by to be dropped. He usually causes trouble for the Raiders' defence. He has Reynolds covered and imo bringing him into the team is a retrograde step. Energy does not make up for the lack of polish in a half. Josh should be paying Benji half his contract.


Totally agree with this. Josh will bring "*energy*" but we need organisation and poise, implementing a game plan.

My prediction is that Reynolds bursts into the game buzzing to show how much "*energy*" he has and he will run when he should have passed and stifle our backline. If we need someone to close out a game, Reynolds is the guy you want?


If thats your main concern, then we'll be ok. Benji as an alternative to close out a game is laughable.


Well I can at least remember Benji doing it two weeks ago against Sharks, Im sure there were others over the years, my recollection of Reynolds is barren.


You're absolutely right. He did against the sharks. He had a very good game. That is the only instance in his career that he has guided the team to a controlled victory in my opinion. I wish you all the luck in the world in finding another. He is probably the most uncontrolled bloke in his position in the history of the game. He's like my dog which I swear has issues with self control. He's always on edge and makes dumb decisions when it matters. For years and years, we've either lost the unlosable after leading by a huge amount or come from behind to grab a ridiculously unexpected win. That's how he rolls. Park footy for him. I've said it before - Until he leaves, we will continue to never make the finals.


Two weeks ago.

Ok...now,,,your example of REynolds doing it?


Im not making an argument for Reynolds doing it.


Except you did. you said that if I was using closing a game out as reason for having Benji over REynolds, it is laughable. You and I both agree that Benji did it two weeks ago. I have no recollection of Reynolds ever doing it. Prove me wrong to make your case that it is "*laughable*"....he he he


No I didn't. I said that Benji being a better person to close out a game is laughable. ***Marshall has closed one game in his career in my opinion***. That's hardly worthy of praise in that area.

Its hardly a definitive stat but Benji has kicked 16 field goals in his career, safe to say that a large percentage of them "closed out" the game (the nature of a field goal). Reynolds 5.

 

[bacon]

What does this mean if we win this week against the Raiders? A team which is tipped for the premiership...does Reynolds stay in?
Has Benji played his last game?
It will be interesting to see how it all unfolds

 

[Geo]

Benji has been hard done by to be dropped. He usually causes trouble for the Raiders' defence. He has Reynolds covered and imo bringing him into the team is a retrograde step. Energy does not make up for the lack of polish in a half. Josh should be paying Benji half his contract.


Totally agree with this. Josh will bring "*energy*" but we need organisation and poise, implementing a game plan.

My prediction is that Reynolds bursts into the game buzzing to show how much "*energy*" he has and he will run when he should have passed and stifle our backline. If we need someone to close out a game, Reynolds is the guy you want?


If thats your main concern, then we'll be ok. Benji as an alternative to close out a game is laughable.


Well I can at least remember Benji doing it two weeks ago against Sharks, Im sure there were others over the years, my recollection of Reynolds is barren.


You're absolutely right. He did against the sharks. He had a very good game. That is the only instance in his career that he has guided the team to a controlled victory in my opinion. I wish you all the luck in the world in finding another. He is probably the most uncontrolled bloke in his position in the history of the game. He's like my dog which I swear has issues with self control. He's always on edge and makes dumb decisions when it matters. For years and years, we've either lost the unlosable after leading by a huge amount or come from behind to grab a ridiculously unexpected win. That's how he rolls. Park footy for him. I've said it before - Until he leaves, we will continue to never make the finals.


Two weeks ago.

Ok...now,,,your example of REynolds doing it?


Im not making an argument for Reynolds doing it.


Except you did. you said that if I was using closing a game out as reason for having Benji over REynolds, it is laughable. You and I both agree that Benji did it two weeks ago. I have no recollection of Reynolds ever doing it. Prove me wrong to make your case that it is "*laughable*"....he he he


No I didn't. I said that Benji being a better person to close out a game is laughable. ***Marshall has closed one game in his career in my opinion***. That's hardly worthy of praise in that area.

Its hardly a definitive stat but Benji has kicked 16 field goals in his career, safe to say that a large percentage of them "closed out" the game (the nature of a field goal). Reynolds 5.

Sharks at Leichhardt when Teddy went down in his debut game..bounced of Bryce's noggin

 

[dazza65]

Benji Marshall separated from Wests Tigers after 'social distancing incident' with reporter
By WWOS staff
2 hours ago

The Wests Tigers have been reported for a bio-security incident involving co-captain Benji Marshall.

The veteran five-eighth was sent home to self isolate after approaching Seven News reporter Michelle Bishop and exchanging a friendly hug and kiss on the cheek in the car park.


Danny Weidler
✔
@Danny_Weidler
LATEST: @WestsTigers star Benji Marshall has had a “social distancing incident” with a female reporter at Tigers training. The reporter has been sent for a COVID 19 test. A kiss on the cheek has resulted in Benji being separated from the team. @9NewsSyd

Under the NRL's strict bio-security rules Marshall will remain at home on Thursday while the reporter undergoes a COVID-19 test and the matter was reported to the NRL.
@7michellebishop
Just goes to show you, we can all get caught up in life and forget what kind of world we are living in at the moment Off to be tested #innocent #awkward #apologies


In a statement, the club said assuming a negative result is returned, no further action will be required by Marshall or Wests Tigers.

Meanwhile, halfback Luke Brooks says the entire Wests Tigers squad is on notice after former world player of the year Marshall's surprise demotion from the team following the weekend's loss to Gold Coast. "Especially with someone of his name to be dropped, that just shows no one's position is safe if we're not playing good enough footy," said Brooks. "There's a whole other reserve grade team who are training really well at the moment and who are ready to come in to the side."

Even at 35, Marshall is running second in the Dally M Medal count after four rounds of the competition.


So they’ve all just played 160 hours of direct physical contact football against 2 other teams, mixed sweat, hugged each other and shook hands after each game, back slapped each other, sung the team song with arms around each other and numerous hangers on in the dressing room and Benji gets isolated for not keeping social distance with a reporter?? Does anyone else see the stupidity in this? Honestly the contradictions around these COVID -19 restrictions is just laughable.

Rationale os that the players have been tested and "in the bubble". No-one has any idea the status of the reporter. Hence isolation and testing.

 

[JC99]

What does this mean if we win this week against the Raiders? A team which is tipped for the premiership...does Reynolds stay in?
Has Benji played his last game?
It will be interesting to see how it all unfolds

Madge didn’t change a winning team last week. Would think he sticks with the same team if we beat raiders unless there’s something that needs addressing

 

[Tiger5150]

Benji has been hard done by to be dropped. He usually causes trouble for the Raiders' defence. He has Reynolds covered and imo bringing him into the team is a retrograde step. Energy does not make up for the lack of polish in a half. Josh should be paying Benji half his contract.


Totally agree with this. Josh will bring "*energy*" but we need organisation and poise, implementing a game plan.

My prediction is that Reynolds bursts into the game buzzing to show how much "*energy*" he has and he will run when he should have passed and stifle our backline. If we need someone to close out a game, Reynolds is the guy you want?


If thats your main concern, then we'll be ok. Benji as an alternative to close out a game is laughable.


Well I can at least remember Benji doing it two weeks ago against Sharks, Im sure there were others over the years, my recollection of Reynolds is barren.


You're absolutely right. He did against the sharks. He had a very good game. That is the only instance in his career that he has guided the team to a controlled victory in my opinion. I wish you all the luck in the world in finding another. He is probably the most uncontrolled bloke in his position in the history of the game. He's like my dog which I swear has issues with self control. He's always on edge and makes dumb decisions when it matters. For years and years, we've either lost the unlosable after leading by a huge amount or come from behind to grab a ridiculously unexpected win. That's how he rolls. Park footy for him. I've said it before - Until he leaves, we will continue to never make the finals.


Two weeks ago.

Ok...now,,,your example of REynolds doing it?


Im not making an argument for Reynolds doing it.


Except you did. you said that if I was using closing a game out as reason for having Benji over REynolds, it is laughable. You and I both agree that Benji did it two weeks ago. I have no recollection of Reynolds ever doing it. Prove me wrong to make your case that it is "*laughable*"....he he he


No I didn't. I said that Benji being a better person to close out a game is laughable. ***Marshall has closed one game in his career in my opinion***. That's hardly worthy of praise in that area.

Its hardly a definitive stat but Benji has kicked 16 field goals in his career, safe to say that a large percentage of them "closed out" the game (the nature of a field goal). Reynolds 5.

Sharks at Leichhardt when Teddy went down in his debut game..

Man there are heaps of games. Benji has rightly been designated rocks and diamonds and there is ample reasons to question his worth to the team but to suggest he has only closed one game out in his 312 game career is.....well..... laughable.

Reynolds has never in Tigers colours