On paper it’s mis-match, but first-placed South Sydney say they still fear out-of-sorts Benji Marshall and his last-placed Wests Tigers.
It’s an unusual admission from the NRL competition leaders, even though – at his best – Marshall is one of the game’s most exciting and difficult to contain players.
To date in 2013, the 28-year-old has struggled with injury, freely admitting he is in a major form slump.
It has resulted in Marshall getting dropped to the bench for Friday’s clash.
With the Tigers occupying last place for the first time in the history of the joint-venture club, Marshall shouldered the bulk of the blame for their miserable start to the year.
All this while the New Zealand international struggles to manage a turf toe injury which restricts his toe strength to the point where he cannot even wear thongs.
And yet the enigmatic Marshall will dominate video sessions all week at Redfern, with senior forward Roy Asotasi declaring the under-pressure No.6 the man who can turn the Tigers’ season around.
“He is that x-factor in that side. He has the ability to turn the Tigers’ season around,” Asotasi said.
“We’ll do our homework and make sure we’re well prepared.”
The veteran prop has worked alongside Marshall at international level and has a theory as to why Marshall is throwing himself at the mercy of the Tigers’ critics.
“They’re a team that’s struggling at the moment with injuries,” he said.
“It’s normal for guys like Benji, who is a leader within that side, to take responsibility.”
Nullifying star Rabbitohs fullback Greg Inglis is sure to feature heavily in the Tigers’ gameplan, but the Queensland representative says it is Marshall who can “pull a team’s pants down”.
“He’s a player that can definitely come out and pull your pants down. He’s that type of player,” Inglis said.
“Benji Marshall is one of those freakish talents we’ve got in our game.
“We’ve got to be on our game this weekend. Tigers are a very dangerous side – there’s no doubt about it.
“… In the end, if (Marshall) comes out and fires, then we’re in for a long game.”
NSW State of Origin hopeful Nathan Merritt says his side have been well below par in their most recent victories over North Queensland and Brisbane, warning his teammates against complacency against the under-strength Tigers.
“We know the Tigers are going to be hungry,” Merritt said.
“There’s a lot of young players out there hungry to try and cement a spot in their first grade team.
“We can’t go out there looking to take an easy game.”
Meanwhile, the Tigers had conditionally released young halfback Jacob Miller to join English Super League side Hull FC on a two-and-a-half year deal, pending visa approval.
Miller started the year as coach Mick Potter’s first-choice fullback but quickly slipped down the rankings as the Tigers slid towards the foot of the competition ladder.
