JT, Benji put Jake Clifford in seven heaven ahead of Tigers clash
North Queensland playmaker Jake Clifford spent his childhood idolising Benji Marshall and Johnathan Thurston, on Friday night he’ll face one legend and wear the other’s famous jersey.
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Cowboys halfback Jake Clifford took a moment last weekend to stare at his No.7 jersey, once worn by his idol Johnathan Thurston, and soaked in the significance of his achievement.
The 21-year-old has now played 13 games at NRL level but his past two have been in the famed playmaker jersey — which as a kid he dreamt of one day wearing.
And now on Friday night, the young halfback gets the opportunity to come up against the best in the business when he battles it out with in-form Tigers playmaker Benji Marshall at 1300Smiles Stadium on Friday night.
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Clifford said he cherished the chance to wear the jersey but was focused on doing his job for the team.
“The past two games have been the first time in the NRL I’ve worn the No.7 jersey for the Cowboys,” Clifford said.
“It’s pretty cool and hopefully I can keep wearing it.
“On the weekend, I had a good stare at it before I put it on.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet because of who has worn it before me and now that I get to wear it now, it’s pretty special.
“I try and just look at the jersey and make sure I do my job for the team and put everything out on the footy field when I put it on.”
Friday night’s clash with the Tigers will be Clifford’s first match up against Marshall, who is 13 years his elder.
Clifford was just five-years-old when Marshall made his NRL debut in 2003 and said he was in awe of the Kiwi international when he watched footy as a kid.
“Benji Marshall, I get to come up against him this weekend and it’s going to be quite exciting for myself,” Clifford said.
“I grew up watching him on TV and seeing how he plays so I’m looking forward to it.
“Benji can definitely make some players look silly.
“The Tigers have also got a very good forward pack so if we can stop their momentum, it’ll make it harder for their halves to get on their front foot.
“They’re coming off the loss and they’re a very skilful team.”
Fox Sports Lab has revealed Marshall has his best statistics when playing the Cowboys, scoring nine tries, 27 try assists, 88 tackle busts and 2012 running metres.
However, the Cowboys have won three of their past four against the Tigers when playing in Townsville.
Clifford said it was an important game with the club heading into a bye next weekend.
“With the bye coming up, it’s a big challenge for us to get the win leading into that bye to give us a bit of confidence when we come back the week after,” Clifford said.
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