Benji Marshall’s brother Jeremy Marshall-King debuts as Wests Tigers down Warriors 28-16

WITH older brother Benji watching on from the Leichhardt Oval grandstand, Jeremy Marshall-King made his NRL debut for Wests Tigers.

Tuimoala Lolohea races away to score a try for the Tigers against the Warriors at Leichhardt Oval.

UPDATE: THERE was no signature sidestep.

No highlight reel flick pass, either.

But the ovation provided for Jeremy Marshall-King? Outstanding.

Led by older brother and NRL superstar Benji, members of the Marshall clan performed an emotional haka for the 21-year-old utility after his gritty debut against the Warriors at Leichhardt Oval.

Wearing jersey No. 19, and playing a tick under 40 minutes at hooker, the younger Marshall arrived on the same night Origin stars Aaron Woods and James Tedesco said goodbye.

Better, the lightweight Tiger, who tips the scales at only 83kg, also survived the type of defensive spotting that has been big brother’s lot since making his own debut 14 years ago.

James Tedesco runs the ball in his final game for the Wests Tigers.

“The Warriors’ big forwards certainly found him at every opportunity,’’ coach Ivan Cleary conceded afterwards. “I actually got a call through the game to say Jeremy was doing it a bit tough.

“But I just gave him a backhander. Told him he had to stay out there, which he did.

“It's a good story. He certainly didn’t look out of place.”

Quizzed on the advice Benji had offered up prior to kick off, the younger Marshall sibling replied: “He just calmed my nerves.

“Told me to go out and do what I do best.

Wests Tigers prop Aaron Woods tests the Warriors defence in his last game for the club.

“There was a big crowd here tonight and it’s great that all the boys turned up and we got the win”.

While the game, like the Tigers’ season, never reached any great heights — and certainly nothing like centre Kevin Naiqama’s flat top — the home side were still never headed at their spiritual suburban venue.

And for a large chunk, with Marshall-King hanging tough in defence.

So what chance the tattooed brothers can now play together in 2018?

Already, Benji has announced he’s quitting the Brisbane Broncos after one season, returning home to the club where he not only made his name, but won the 2005 NRL premiership.

Younger brother’s future, however, remains less certain.

Benji Marshall (white T-shirt) joining the haka for his brother Jeremy Marshall-King at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday night.

In fact, and somewhat ironically, the off-contract utility could be forced out by Benji’s signature, given the former international would likely hold down the same utility role he covets.

Which simply adds another question mark to this club whose future is covered in them.

Still, at least this night gave Tigers fans a reason to smile.

Ditto Woods and Tedesco, who were outstanding in their farewell games.

The Tigers captain, in particular, was awarded Man of the Match for a performance which boasted 212m, 39 tackles, five offloads and a warm reception from fans on his farewell lap.

Asked if he’d had any reservations about how supporters would receive him in his last game before joining Canterbury, Woods replied: “Our fans love the club.

“They were disappointed when everything happened ... but if you let your footy do the talking, it can change their perspective. And the fans were awesome tonight.

“They’ve stuck solid through a tough year. But with Ivan in place, there’s a really good future here. I’m leaving but I’ll be at a lot of Tigers games next year supporting my old teammates.”

Tedesco, meanwhile, also ran for 245m, while making five tackle breaks and three offloads.

James Tedesco (left) and Aaron Woods at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday after their final games for the Wests Tigers.

Apart from the Blues duo, whose performances over the past month have only further highlighted what the club will be without next season, halfback Luke Brooks had some solid touches while Naiqama also scored a double.

And just on the Tigers centre, what about that hair?

Taller than your grandfather’s fishing stories, the bloody thing also never moves.

Rock solid.

Just as young Marshall proved in the Tigers defensive line.

WESTS TIGERS 28 (K Naiqama 2 T Lolohea E Marsters D Nofoaluma tries T Lolohea 4 goals) bt NZ WARRIORS 16 (S Kata C Nicoll-Klokstad R Tuivasa-Sheck tries I Luke 2 goals) at Leichhardt Oval. Referee: Adam Gee, Peter Gough. Crowd: 10,231