Search for next rugby league immortal over

A rare situation has emerged this weekend, which is the last round of regular season rugby league before the finals start.

Benji Marshall of the Tigers looks on during the round 24 NRL match against the St George Illawarra Dragons. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

OPINION:

A RARE situation has emerged this weekend, which is the last round of regular season rugby league before the finals start.

It involves a consistently average team, its (very slim) chance of winning a premiership and a diehard fan’s shot at either enjoying that glory or taking solace in a windfall from their demise.

A calcutta was held earlier this year in which bidders paid for NRL teams.

Winnings will be paid out to bidders who have teams that sit first, second, ninth and 16th on the ladder at the end of the regular season.

Meanwhile, Wests Tigers this weekend have a chance to make the finals, a place in the top eight, if they can beat fellow finals contenders Cronulla Sharks.

The Tigers have, in recent years, been experts in missing the finals.

They love coming ninth.

So a return on the calcutta seems likely and a great outcome for those bidders (11 all up) in the group who bought the Tigers earlier this year.

Except one.

The diehard fan.

No payout could reignite the elation that fan experienced on October 2, 2005, when the greatest player of all time flicked a ball inside to a flying Pat Richards who charged over to score.

There have been some lean years since then but Benji Marshall is back in black and orange stripes and in superb form.

The diehard fan, who was a sole celebrating voice among North Queensland Cowboys supporters on that night in 2005, has again emerged as the only one in his group wanting a Tigers victory.

Go the Tigers, and make Benji the next immortal.

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