Benji Marshall’s big rap for Wests Tigers star of the future

As Benji Marshall weighs up whether or not this season will be his last, the Kiwi Test ace reveals Wests Tigers’ playmaking future is in good hands.

Benji Marshall has anointed the Wests Tigers ready to step up when he finally hangs up his boots — and it’s not Josh Reynolds.

Marshall insists he is still undecided about his playing future beyond 2019 but believes rising talent Jock Madden has what it takes to develop into an NRL star.

“He hasn’t had an opportunity yet but I feel like he has a lot of potential,” he has a lot of potential,” Marshall said.

“I’m really impressed with how he is travelling. He’s a tough young guy. He’s really keen to learn, really determined and he’s a good listener.”

Benji Marshall is still undecided about his playing future beyond 2019. Picture: Brett Costello

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Last year, Madden, 19, was leading point scorer in SG Ball; was selected in the NSW under-18s; and captained the Australian Schoolboys on a tour of England.

The Scone Thoroughbreads junior is on coach Michael Maguire’s roster as a development player but under NRL rules, he’ll be eligible to make his top-grade debut from this weekend. Marshall has been working closely with Madden to help nurture the teenager’s game.

“I’m pretty hands-on … as I am with all the halves, though,” Marshall said.

Jock Madden has been anointed by Benji Marshall as a player of the future. Picture: Wests Tigers

“I take a role in developing what Luke Brooks does as well.

“I feel like I have gained a lot of knowledge over all the years I have been playing and I can offer advice and help to the young guys. It’s not in my job description but it’s what I like doing. I get a kick out of seeing those guys improve.”

While Marshall is tipping Madden to make his mark, the club legend backed Reynolds to find a way back into the first-grade side.

Reynolds joined the Tigers on a lucrative four-year deal believed to be worth about $750,000 a season in 2018 but has only played nine games.

Josh Reynolds has struggled for playing time since joining Wests Tigers. Picture: Getty Images

Injury has hampered the former Canterbury Bulldog and this year he has not been a part of Maguire’s plans, leaving him languishing in reserve grade.

“We’ve got a good couple of young guys coming through, a guy called Josh Reynolds, you might have heard of him,” Marshall said.

“With Josh and Luke here, if I decide not to play on then the club is in pretty good hands.”

Marshall will play his 299th game of top-flight football tonight against Sydney Roosters at Bankwest Stadium and, despite being in his 17th season of NRL, the New Zealand international isn’t willing to rush into a decision about his future.