Wests Tigers skipper Benji Marshall says he’s still fighting his natural instincts to deliver some razzle dazzle in his new role as halfback.

But it’s paying off after steering his side to their seventh successive win, taking out NRL competition leaders Melbourne Storm 10-6 in an arm wrestle in the wet at AAMI Park.

Marshall orchestrated one of their tries and almost came up with one of his own in a solid captain’s knock which was his third in the No.7 jersey since moving to accommodate exciting young five-eighth Curtis Sironen.

Coach Tim Sheens said he was delighted with the way Marshall kept the side focused and composed as the Storm tightened the screws in the second half as they tried to peg back the lead.

“Benji’s been working really hard on his game, on controlling the rest from seven,” Sheens said.

“Particularly with young Curtis (Sironen) in the side; with kids in the side you can’t afford to panic.

“A lot fell on his shoulders to have to control the game and I thought he did that really well.”

Marshall, 27, has long been known for his flamboyance – his no-look and flick passes and hot-shoe sidesteps.

“I’m still learning, it’s out of my nature from the way I used to play to have to bring it in and control the side and lead with composure,” he said.

“It’s not an easy thing to do and sometimes I still get the odd urge to do something exotic.”

The “urge” struck just minutes before halftime when Marshall opted for a particularly short goal-line drop out in the hope of his team regathering the ball.

With momentum already with the Storm it gave the home side another set and they almost broke through for a try.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy said he watched Marshall do the same thing against the Raiders last round.

“I don’t know whether I’d be real happy with Benji doing it if I was his coach,” Bellamy said.

“Benji does some unexpected things.

“I wouldn’t say we expected it but it didn’t surprise us.”