Broncos should keep Benji Marshall on the bench for finals clash with Panthers, says Mal Meninga

BENJI Marshall was close to Brisbane’s best player last weekend — and that is why I would drop him to the bench for Friday’s clash with the Panthers, writes MAL MENINGA.

BENJI Marshall was close to Brisbane’s best player in last weekend’s finals loss to the Roosters and that is why I would be dropping him back to the bench for Friday night’s sudden-death clash with the Panthers.

I thought Benji stood up magnificently in a Broncos job that was out of kilter, especially with his kicking game, which I felt kept Brisbane in the match for most of the night and even produced an unexpected try to Corey Oates.

Benji’s experience was crucial for the Broncos against the Roosters, and will be again at Suncorp Stadium, but I think for the better balance of the team we will see him come off the bench against Penrith.

Benji would be best used off the bench for the Panthers. Photo: Peter Wallis

While Benji was dynamic, there is no doubt that Anthony Milford went back into his shell against the Roosters and I think that was due in part to the dominant hand that Marshall delivered.

For the Broncos to progress further into the finals they will need Milford and Marshall to deliver on Friday night.

To achieve that I think Brisbane would be better served moving Kodi Nikorima into the halves to partner Milford — who seems more comfortable playing alongside the young No.7.

Benji and Anthony are a similar style of player and I think playing Nikorima in the halves would really unlock Milford’s running game.

By bringing Benji off the bench against tiring defenders, he can use his skills and vision to create more opportunities without the pressure of having to run the team.

Darius Boyd would be a massive boost for Brisbane. Photo: Peter Wallis

KEEP IT SIMPLE

I DON’T think the Broncos need to change much — they just need to execute a little bit better.

Both the Cowboys and the Broncos last weekend showed why they are regularly successful in finals footy.

Both teams were willing to dig deep, keep working, and keep turning up for each other.

They had desperation, commitment and the desire not to let anyone down — all the hallmarks of teams experienced in winning big matches.

Brisbane’s disastrous start against the Roosters was far from ideal and even though they ultimately lost the match, it shouldn’t be forgotten that the Broncos actually found themselves in front close to the end of the game.

But Wayne Bennett would have gone back to training this week knowing there was not a lot that needed to be fixed outside of their execution in attack and defence.

The attitude, commitment and desire were all there against the Roosters. But the cohesion was not.

Brisbane were disjointed in attack and that probably was not a surprise given the number of changes the Broncos made to their spine.

Brisbane will be hoping Darius Boyd returns to bring a calming hand to the team — with and without the ball.

But even if he is not there, I think Brisbane are well placed to beat the Panthers.

COWS CAN RULE

EVERYONE is asking how long North Queensland can keep up their massive effort of staying alive this season without Matt Scott and Johnathan Thurston, but I see no reason why the Cowboys can’t beat Parramatta this weekend.

The Cowboys were terrific and spirited last weekend against Cronulla, playing with true desperation and desire and the composure that the Sharks lacked.

Regardless of what happens this weekend, Cowboys coach Paul Green should be telling his players to examine their performances so they know the benchmarks they need to deliver next year when Thurston and Scott return.

They have lifted admirably in their absence, but must ensure this is the new normal. They can’t go back a gear when the co-captains return.

Michael Morgan in particular has excelled this season after taking ownership of the team at halfback.

Michael’s aim should be to improve again next season and make Green think long and hard about shifting Thurston to No.6 — like he does with Queensland and Australia.

Next year, Morgan should be running the show just as much as JT. He has gone to a new level, now he needs to make sure he doesn’t go back to being second fiddle.

GOOD LUCK BOYS

BEFORE I go I want to pass on my best wishes to the boys who are part of the Carina 18th Man program, who are playing in their grand final this weekend.

I hope the lessons you have learned during the year serve you well in the biggest game of the season and for the rest of your rugby league careers.

Originally published as Broncos should keep Benji Marshall on the bench for finals clash with Panthers, says Mal Meninga