NRL news: Jayden Sullivan ready to fight for his spot after Wests Tigers benching

He’s been axed from the starting side and is nervously looking over his shoulder for the arrival of soon-to-be Tiger Jarome Luai, but Jayden Sullivan insists coach Benji remains his No.1 supporter.

Pamela Whaley

@pamelawhaley

2 min read

March 28, 2024 - 4:56PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Jayden Sullivan lost his starting halves spot in round three. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

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A challenge set by Benji Marshall has lit a fire under Wests Tigers half Jayden Sullivan, who has vowed to fight his way back into the starting NRL side.

For the second week in a row the 22-year-old has been benched, with teenage star Lachlan Galvin and experienced Aidan Sezer the preferred halves partnership after last week’s win against Cronulla.

Heading into a mighty Easter Monday clash with Parramatta, Sullivan is taking the demotion for that it is.

“[Benji] gave me reasons, but that’s between Benji and I,” he said.

“He challenged me, I’m No.14, I’m still in the team, I’ve got a role to play in this team and I’m happy playing football and that’s the main thing.

“Benji has been honest and he’s been there in my corner and my No.1 supporter at the moment so I’m grateful for that.

Jayden Sullivan lost his starting halves spot in round three. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

“Benji has just told me to be myself and when I’m myself I play good footy.

“It’s been a long pre-season and whenever I get my opportunity to play I’ll put my best foot forward and hopefully get where I want to be.”

Although Galvin and Sezer have had the backing of Marshall over the past fortnight, the makeup of the halves will be an ongoing juggling act for the Tigers this season.

Sullivan has signed on a four-year deal starting this year, while Latu Fainu is a highly regarded player of the future.

The arrival of Penrith star Jarome Luai next season complicates things further.

Jayden Sullivan will be working hard to find a way back into the starting side. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

“Everyone wants to be starting in the NRL but at the end of the day if the team needs me to be on the bench, then I’ll be on the bench,” Sullivan said.

“We’ve had a team-first pre-season and everyone in the team puts the team first and that’s what I’m doing.

“Four can’t go into two, but whoever is playing good footy and whatever is best for the team, then we’re all happy.

“We’re all each other’s best friends. There’s a bit of banter here and there, especially Salad [Sezer] being the oldest and Lachy and [Latu] being the youngest. I’m in the middle.”

Coming into the game off the bench has its advantages anyway.

“You don’t have to have the first 20-minute stint and get bashed for 20 minutes when there’s no fatigue in the team,” he joked.

“If that’s my role, to bring X-factor, then that’s what I’ll do.”