Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens concedes the off-field drama around star Benji Marshall has been a distraction
* By David Beniuk
* AAP
* March 18, 2011 11:14AM
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has condeded the off-field drama around star playmaker Benji Marshall has been an unwanted distraction for the NRL club.
Marshall played his first game since he was charged with assault in Monday night's 24-14 loss to Canterbury, scoring a brilliant individual try to almost single-handedly haul his side back into the contest.
The face of the league will be back in action against the Warriors at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday night and Sheens said his team needed to put the Marshall issue aside and focus on football.
"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't some sort of distraction for everybody but there's so many things during a season that so-called distract you," Sheens said.
"We all learn to handle it but at the time it's an issue.
"We're not going to use that as an excuse or anything like that but I'd prefer it not to be there."
Sheens said the Tiger's captain had been struggling with the issue but, apart from his kicking, was happy with his performance at ANZ Stadium.
"Out of his own mouth I think he has had a little bit of issue with it, but who wouldn't?" Sheens said.
"You've got to get on with it, you've got to leave your problems at home when you come to football, you've got to be able to switch off your issues … and turn on when you get to football.
"That's what it's all about, that's what they learn to do and that's what he's got to do."
In doubt forwards Bryce Gibbs (knee) and Gareth Ellis (ankle) will be given until match morning to prove their fitness, Sheens said.