It's Friday night, I'm sick as a dog and snuggled on the couch, waiting for my best friends to come over with Japanese takeaway.
I want to be at Leichhardt Oval for Benj's last game at the famous Tigers venue.
But I have been sick since the end of our holiday in Bali and it has definitely been an interesting week.
I am anxious to see how the fans react to the change that is upon them. I hope they are all barracking for Benj like they have done for the past 11 years.
The montage that Channel Nine puts together almost brings a tear to my eye.
The skills of my husband, combined with his statements over the past week, make me realise this really is the end of an era. Kids are holding up signs thanking him for all he has given the club.
The Tigers' supporters are doing what they have always done. They stick together, all for one and one for all.
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Brad Fittler commentates: "Benji has been the most entertaining five-eighth NRL has ever had." He adds how "he has changed the game and that he has had a massive impact." Wally Lewis agreed, saying: "that one of the biggest dangers is the game has lost a player that so many children idolise. Ask any young kid in a backyard what they're doing, and it's always the Benji Marshall skills the youngsters are trying to perform."
I settle in more comfortable to watch the next 80 minutes. I am humbled to see an awesome crowd is lifting my husband.
One of my closest friends, Claudia, is a mad fan. She was the friend who said "it would never last", when I told her I was dating Benj.
I called her after the game. "The people came tonight for Benji," she said. "Leichhardt was full of love. Everyone had so much gratitude and realistically, as a Tiger supporter, nobody was going to the match looking for a win. They went to honour what Benji has done for the club.
"I know sitting amongst me on the hill there were fans reflecting on all the magic Benji brought to the game.
"People know I know him through you, and they are bagging him for this or that, but he is a Tiger. He chose to be Tiger for life. Any real Tigers supporter will feel that in their gut and love him for that. The beauty he brought to the game - I'm not happy to see him leave. If he is going to leave, at least it's as a Tiger.
"I reflected back on all the other Tigers legends.
"He is a Tigers legend. I have no idea how horrid it would feel for him."
This is coming from my very close friend who was a Tiger supporter since she was 12 years old (she is now 35).
She tells me: "I know you don't get it, Zo, what it means to fans like us. I looked at his face, all the bullshit that's been said, doesn't matter. He is true to you, his family, himself, and his jersey that's his club.
"Anyone wants to say he's a traitor, doesn't know f . . k all about football.
"I'm proud as punch, throughout his whole time at the Tigers. I hated him at times for his crazy ass ways, but that's what made him what he was. It was a love-hate relationship.
"The only reason a die-hard league fan will watch union is to watch Benji play and he will kill it."
Fan or no fan, I definitely agree with her there.
I want to be at Leichhardt Oval for Benj's last game at the famous Tigers venue.
But I have been sick since the end of our holiday in Bali and it has definitely been an interesting week.
I am anxious to see how the fans react to the change that is upon them. I hope they are all barracking for Benj like they have done for the past 11 years.
The montage that Channel Nine puts together almost brings a tear to my eye.
The skills of my husband, combined with his statements over the past week, make me realise this really is the end of an era. Kids are holding up signs thanking him for all he has given the club.
The Tigers' supporters are doing what they have always done. They stick together, all for one and one for all.
\
\
Brad Fittler commentates: "Benji has been the most entertaining five-eighth NRL has ever had." He adds how "he has changed the game and that he has had a massive impact." Wally Lewis agreed, saying: "that one of the biggest dangers is the game has lost a player that so many children idolise. Ask any young kid in a backyard what they're doing, and it's always the Benji Marshall skills the youngsters are trying to perform."
I settle in more comfortable to watch the next 80 minutes. I am humbled to see an awesome crowd is lifting my husband.
One of my closest friends, Claudia, is a mad fan. She was the friend who said "it would never last", when I told her I was dating Benj.
I called her after the game. "The people came tonight for Benji," she said. "Leichhardt was full of love. Everyone had so much gratitude and realistically, as a Tiger supporter, nobody was going to the match looking for a win. They went to honour what Benji has done for the club.
"I know sitting amongst me on the hill there were fans reflecting on all the magic Benji brought to the game.
"People know I know him through you, and they are bagging him for this or that, but he is a Tiger. He chose to be Tiger for life. Any real Tigers supporter will feel that in their gut and love him for that. The beauty he brought to the game - I'm not happy to see him leave. If he is going to leave, at least it's as a Tiger.
"I reflected back on all the other Tigers legends.
"He is a Tigers legend. I have no idea how horrid it would feel for him."
This is coming from my very close friend who was a Tiger supporter since she was 12 years old (she is now 35).
She tells me: "I know you don't get it, Zo, what it means to fans like us. I looked at his face, all the bullshit that's been said, doesn't matter. He is true to you, his family, himself, and his jersey that's his club.
"Anyone wants to say he's a traitor, doesn't know f . . k all about football.
"I'm proud as punch, throughout his whole time at the Tigers. I hated him at times for his crazy ass ways, but that's what made him what he was. It was a love-hate relationship.
"The only reason a die-hard league fan will watch union is to watch Benji play and he will kill it."
Fan or no fan, I definitely agree with her there.
