Rugby league great Brad Fittler says the Wests Tigers have to consider dropping Benji Marshall after an abysmal display against Gold Coast on the weekend.
Marshall, who is expected to announce he has signed with Super Rugby team the Auckland Blues later today, made four runs for 19 metres against the Titans, missed three tackles and made two ineffective tackles on Sunday afternoon.
"He didn't put his body on the line at all," Fittler told Sportsfan's Clubhouse. "He could have played a part in stopping at least four tries.
"If they (Wests Tigers) were going on how he played they would (drop him) because he was terrible.
"His form is as bad as it has been, obviously there is a lot on his mind."
Fittler though did point out that dropping Marshall could destroy the confidence of the young players called up to replace him.
"They could bring in a guy like Luke Brooks, who has never played first grade," Fittler said. "Or Mitchell Moses is a really handy player, although he is quite small and a bit lean at the moment, but they have both come off pretty heavy injuries.
"I reckon they should bide their time and throw one on the bench every now and then… because unless their forwards are going forward, all you are going to do is break their confidence."
http://www.sportsfan.com.au/tigers-should-drop-benji-fittler/tabid/91/newsid/109764/default.aspx
Marshall, who is expected to announce he has signed with Super Rugby team the Auckland Blues later today, made four runs for 19 metres against the Titans, missed three tackles and made two ineffective tackles on Sunday afternoon.
"He didn't put his body on the line at all," Fittler told Sportsfan's Clubhouse. "He could have played a part in stopping at least four tries.
"If they (Wests Tigers) were going on how he played they would (drop him) because he was terrible.
"His form is as bad as it has been, obviously there is a lot on his mind."
Fittler though did point out that dropping Marshall could destroy the confidence of the young players called up to replace him.
"They could bring in a guy like Luke Brooks, who has never played first grade," Fittler said. "Or Mitchell Moses is a really handy player, although he is quite small and a bit lean at the moment, but they have both come off pretty heavy injuries.
"I reckon they should bide their time and throw one on the bench every now and then… because unless their forwards are going forward, all you are going to do is break their confidence."
http://www.sportsfan.com.au/tigers-should-drop-benji-fittler/tabid/91/newsid/109764/default.aspx
