Marshall dropped

[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..


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

I know but that bounced of Bryce's noggin so that's worth 150..

 

[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.

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.

Listen, you can't be better at something if you can't do it yourself. Thats my point. Benji is not known for closing out a game. Never has been and never will. He is known for pulling out magic plays that are unexpected. Unfortunately, those moments are few and far between now. I'm not justifying anything regarding Reynolds. He is known to be a competitor. To be honest, in my opinion, I think Reynolds would hold his head if leading wheras Benji just simply can't help but do something attackingly stupid. If that's a term I could put together. But that's just my opinon. Anyway, I'm not going to get further into a stupid argument about this. I'm sure you get my point. If not, then so be it. Most with some intelligence would. There's a lot of hate out there for JR. It's unfortunate for him. He could do everything right every game and still some would find reason to dislike him. He's not had many games for us but has managed a few man of the match performances. He's not a bad option. To be fair, Brooks is the one to control things now. And I have confidence he will, but this week, we'll get trounced as we always do against the Raiders because we just aren't anywhere near good enough. (Unless some miracle takes place that is)

 

[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.


Anyway, I'm not going to get further into a stupid argument about this. I'm sure you get my point. If not, then so be it. ***Most with some intelligence would***.

Mate, this is a discussion forum about the Wests Tigers. I clearly stated my opinion and you called it out as *laughable*. When I asked you to back up your statement that my opinion was a joke with the slimmest of examples, you cant. Instead you say its "just (your) opinion" on which you base that *my* opinion is a joke and double down with the nice insult that if I dont agree with your opinion, that you cant back up with a single example, then I am not one of the ones with *some* intelligence. But my opinion is a joke.

Im not sure if you are seeing the irony or double standard in your comments, most with some intelligence would. Welcome to my list of people not to bother with here.

 

[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.


Listen, you can't be better at something if ***you can't do it yourself***. Thats my point.

He did it two weeks ago, by your own admission. That is proof that he CAN DO IT. So is kicking 16 field goals. Most with some intelligence could see that.

 

[gallagher]

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.

This place went nuts when Cleary broke social distancing rules and they werent even training at that stage. Funny hey when someone wears a difffernt jersey to ours.

 

[Telltails]

Actually think Reynolds can be just as erratic as Benji just in a different way. Don't know how many times I saw him stuff things up at the Bulldogs with a brain explosion by giving away a penalty at a critical time and costing his team.

 

[TigerSJ]

Actually think Reynolds can be just as erratic as Benji just in a different way. Don't know how many times I saw him stuff things up at the Bulldogs with a brain explosion by giving away a penalty at a critical time and costing his team.

I hope you are wrong, but it is my fear as well. If he was your kid you might say "he is a little over exhuberant - that's all"!
Besides his recent history of not making it through more than 2 games in a row without injury, I worry that he is just not the same guy he was years ago in his SOO days. He's older and slower, less match fit and more desperate to impress. I really like him, but I have never seen him as a player with a strong set of skills, more an opportunistic player that runs on boundless energy and enthusiasm - when you get a little older, I'm not sure if that work.

 

[colinbh]

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.

She tested negative.

 

[jrtiger]

I think this puts more pressure on Brooks than it does Marshall. this is Madge's way of effectively telling him that he's the general and if he isn't able to take control then he'll be the one sitting in the stands next week. I acknowledge Marshall's defence hasn't been up to scratch all season and if Canberra run down that channel we would've had 40 put on us, but I feel this is more about Madge pushing Brooks to be a 7 and take control.

 

[Sart0ri]

I would guess that Benji was dropped because he didn't follow the game plan.

A lot of you don't seem to realise that Tigers halves do not currently play as a typical 6 & 7. They both play 1st receiver, they both play on either side of the field, they both take long and short kicks, they both run the ball, they both manage the game. They share both roles.
I am sure this is how the coach has asked them to play, maybe we will see something different this week, but we should not judge players for doing or not doing something when it is the coaches decision.
Same as ET slowing down the ruck, it is not accidental, he knows the rules, it was his job to push the limits.

 

[Needaname]

Yep . I believe in him . It’s clearly there. Maybe cheque’s Reynolds is about as running a five eighth as you can get , then brooks will have no choice but to be the man . This is the first time I think we will see Voldemort’s vision. Have they played together ? I know benji and Reynolds have but has brooks and jrey? At least we know there’s gonna be some mongrel on the field .

Interestingly yes they have. Vs Broncos Last year and against the panthers last year.
Close loss followed by a tight win. Can’t think of other examples.

It's a pretty small sample space as Josh has only played 14 games in total for Wests Tigers...

He has started 6 times with Brooks as his halves partner with 2 wins and 4 losses and twice with Marshall at 6 1 win 1 loss..the other 6 games Reynolds came of the bench

Thanks,
Could you name the other 4 games?

2018
Round 14 v Cronulla Lost 16-24
Round 15 v Gold Coast Lost 12-30

2019
Round 4 v Penrith Lost 8-9
Round 5 v Brisbane Won 22-16
Round 6 v Parramatta Lost 6-51
Round 7 v Gold Coast Won 30-14

@Strongee based on above, I’m not so sure Reynolds got injured in any of those games. Definitely in the 2018 game. Made a break and dived on a loose ball in goal and did his shoulder.

 

[Needaname]

I’d be dropping Brooks not Marshall

Brooks is here next year
Marshall isn't
We need to look ahead
If Brooks can't get his act together with a new halves partner then yes by all means drop him
Hopefully something will click together soon


Let's see how he goes over the next few years. He's definitely got potential.

Has there ever in the history of Rugby League been a single player that has shown promise for more years than Brooks !?

Ben Hunt says Hi ?

 

[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.

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.


Listen, you can't be better at something if ***you can't do it yourself***. Thats my point.

He did it two weeks ago, by your own admission. That is proof that he CAN DO IT. So is kicking 16 field goals. Most with some intelligence could see that.

How old are you?

 

[Hangonaminute]

Benji was dropped because of his "fly swatting" attempted tackle defending our line that directly lead to a try.

And rightfully so, go watch the replay and tell me as a coach you wouldn't have wanted to hook him after that pathetic effort.

Madge would have been fuming

 

[twentyforty]

Actually think Reynolds can be just as erratic as Benji just in a different way. Don't know how many times I saw him stuff things up at the Bulldogs with a brain explosion by giving away a penalty at a critical time and costing his team.


I hope you are wrong, but it is my fear as well. If he was your kid you might say "he is a little over exhuberant - that's all"!
Besides his recent history of not making it through more than 2 games in a row without injury, I worry that he is just not the same guy he was years ago in his SOO days. He's older and slower, less match fit and more desperate to impress. I really like him, but I have never seen him as a player with a strong set of skills, more an opportunistic player that runs on boundless energy and enthusiasm - when you get a little older, I'm not sure if that work.

I’m not sure I agree with that. While Enthusiasm may be seen in truck loads from the younger players (except the broncos) it has no age limit. And it is more contagious than COVID-19. It’s also a necessary ingredient in winning as well as keeping your spot on the team. Give me a team full of enthusiastic players and I won’t be too hard on them for losing.

 

[4jtigers]

Maybe Madge has seen something some of us haven’t or he has decided enough is enough and its time to shake the tree…not sure how it will pan out but something had to be done…

Benji does what he wants to do... not sure if he is the right fit for Brooks... I reckon time to give the youngsters a go in place of Benji/Reynolds... Madge does give clear instructions and it must be followed and I am sure a youngster would follow that to the letter.

 

[twentyforty]

Maybe Madge has seen something some of us haven’t or he has decided enough is enough and its time to shake the tree…not sure how it will pan out but something had to be done…

Benji does what he wants to do... not sure if he is the right fit for Brooks... I reckon time to give the youngsters a go in place of Benji/Reynolds... Madge does give clear instructions and it must be followed and I am sure a youngster would follow that to the letter.

Agree. Wouldn’t Walters be a better option at 6?

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Maybe Madge has seen something some of us haven’t or he has decided enough is enough and its time to shake the tree…not sure how it will pan out but something had to be done…

Benji does what he wants to do... not sure if he is the right fit for Brooks... I reckon time to give the youngsters a go in place of Benji/Reynolds... Madge does give clear instructions and it must be followed and I am sure a youngster would follow that to the letter.


Agree. Wouldn’t Walters be a better option at 6?

Reynolds is on huge money and cannot displace Walters for the bench hooker/utility role. That is a pretty sobering thought heading into a game against a top team

 

[Deleted member 3518]

Yep . I believe in him . It’s clearly there. Maybe cheque’s Reynolds is about as running a five eighth as you can get , then brooks will have no choice but to be the man . This is the first time I think we will see Voldemort’s vision. Have they played together ? I know benji and Reynolds have but has brooks and jrey? At least we know there’s gonna be some mongrel on the field .

Interestingly yes they have. Vs Broncos Last year and against the panthers last year.
Close loss followed by a tight win. Can’t think of other examples.

It's a pretty small sample space as Josh has only played 14 games in total for Wests Tigers...

He has started 6 times with Brooks as his halves partner with 2 wins and 4 losses and twice with Marshall at 6 1 win 1 loss..the other 6 games Reynolds came of the bench

Thanks,
Could you name the other 4 games?

2018
Round 14 v Cronulla Lost 16-24
Round 15 v Gold Coast Lost 12-30

2019
Round 4 v Penrith Lost 8-9
Round 5 v Brisbane Won 22-16
Round 6 v Parramatta Lost 6-51
Round 7 v Gold Coast Won 30-14

@Strongee based on above, I’m not so sure Reynolds got injured in any of those games. Definitely in the 2018 game. Made a break and dived on a loose ball in goal and did his shoulder.

Ok . Fair enough . I’m just remembering wrong .

 

[Russell]

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.

The reporter is outside the group - how can you not understand this.

Everyone else is subject to the NRL restrictions.