Benji Marshall’s head to head battle with Mitchell Moses could decide Tigers clash with Eels
THE past, present and future of the Tigers will all collide when they take on a desperate Parramatta on Easter Monday as prodigal son Benji Marshall goes head to head with Mitchell Moses.
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BENJI Marshall would be lucky to be on half Mitchell Moses’ salary.
But heading into Easter Monday’s crucial showdown between the two playmakers, it’s fair to say Wests Tigers fans wouldn’t swap Benji for the player who left the club last year.
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While former Tiger Moses is under fire with Parramatta winless and the halfback failing to register a single run in last week’s loss to Cronulla, Marshall’s return has registered as one of the season’s standout success stories.
The 33-year-old only got his starting team call up following the hamstring injury Josh Reynolds suffered before the opening game.
But even before that, coach Ivan Cleary said his influence was obvious.
“It has been more than just the three weeks, it has been the whole pre-season,” Cleary said.
“He is obviously very experienced and manages the game well.
“He gives guidance and confidence as well.”
Marshall’s return has had a huge impact on Luke Brooks.
When Brooks was playing alongside Moses he was struggling to grow his game, and many believed it was Moses’ dominant personality holding him back.
But with Benji beside him, Brooks is finally living up to the hype that was thrust on him even before he entered the top grade.
“Obviously that combination with Benji is probably something he is not used to, having a real senior guy come in,” Cleary said.
“Luke is like a lot of guys here.
“Benji is the guy that was up on the wall at home.
“I have said this before, it was really obvious (Marshall) was really keen to play and thought he had a lot to offer.
“I think that has shown.”
Cleary said Marshall had recovered well from the ankle injury he suffered in last week’s controversial loss to Brisbane and would be right to take on the Eels.
In contrast to Marshall’s start, Moses is struggling playing in a team that can’t crack it for a win and currently sit last on points scored this season.
Brad Arthur was protective of Moses and his halves partner Corey Norman from taking the blame for Eels’ disappointing start.
Before the season kicked off Arthur challenged Moses to take ownership of the team.
Yet aside from a blistering opening spell in round one against Penrith, the 23-year-old has offered no real threat.
Many expected Moses to be in contention for a NSW jumper this year but his name is rapidly dropping out of the conversation.
He needs a big game against his former club to put himself back in the debate.
“You talk about game management and owning a team, well, you need the footy to do it,” Arthur said.
“We are the worst in the competition for possession, 40 per cent.
“The halves job is not to get out there and own the team defensively.
“He has to make his tackles but the halves have got to own the team with the ball and the kicking game and our kicking game has been okay.
“We just don’t have any ball which makes it hard to manage the game.”
There is no overstating just how important this game is for Parramatta.
Fox Sports Stats show that in the club’s history they have never fought back after losing their first four games to make the finals.
“It is really important that we get off to a win,” Arthur said.
“But it is really important that we get some footy to get some confidence in our attack and we will actually get a fair indication of where we are at as a footy team.”
Originally published as Benji Marshall’s head to head battle with Mitchell Moses could decide Tigers clash with Eels
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