Brisbane’s Benji Marshall reflects on his 2005 grand final triumph over North Queensland

BENJI Marshall is back to haunt the Cowboys — more than a decade after his game-breaking brilliance broke North Queensland’s hearts.

Marshall’s legendary flick pass that set Pat Richards free.

BENJI Marshall is back to haunt the Cowboys — more than a decade after his game-breaking brilliance broke North Queensland’s hearts in their maiden grand final appearance.

Marshall has shared a special narrative with the Cowboys since that night 12 years ago when he produced the magical flick-pass, which inspired Wests Tigers’ fairytale 30-16 victory in the 2005 decider.

Now Marshall could be the man to torment the Cowboys again, this time as Brisbane’s interchange Mr Fixit in the latest instalment of Queensland’s derby blockbuster in Townsville.

Marshall has seen enough to know anything can happen at this stage (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

Marshall has failed to win selection for the past month but season-ending injuries to Andrew McCullough (knee) and Korbin Sims (arm) have opened the door for the veteran playmaker.

And just like the Wests Tigers, who were rated $151 outsiders to win the 2005 premiership, Marshall believes the Broncos’ class of 2017 have the ability to surge to the title — starting against the Cowboys.

“The funny thing is everyone says this Broncos team is making up the numbers, but I see this team a lot like the Tigers of 2005,” Marshall said.

“In 2005, people said the Tigers were no chance and we went on a run and won the premiership. That was proof for me that on the day, if you get it right, any team can win.

“On our day, I think we are capable of winning it. It’s going to be a tough finals series. Everyone is pencilling in Melbourne for the premiership but don’t put the pen through us yet.

“I’ve had experiences playing for the Kiwis where we were given no chance of beating the Kangaroos. But look at the World Cup in 2008, we beat Australia against the odds.

“If we play the footy we can play, we can win the premiership.”

Marshall’s legendary flick pass that set Pat Richards free.

Marshall was a carefree 20-year-old with the code at his feet when he catapulted the Tigers to their maiden title.

Now 32, what he lacks in speed and zip he more than compensates for with playmaking guile in a Broncos side that will rely on Marshall’s experience to help them in the finals.

The former Kiwi Test skipper will return to the Wests Tigers next season but hasn’t given up hope of a premiership finale at Red Hill as a mentor to halves Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima.

“I still feel I have a bit to offer the club,” he said.

“It’s good to be back in the side. It’s been a long four weeks of not playing since our first loss to Parra (in round 21).

“What’s made it easier is the input I’m allowed to have with Kodi and ‘Milf’. Wayne (Bennett, coach) has given me a mentoring role to watch the first half of games and I give them some guidance about what can work better for them in the second half.

“Having that role makes me feel involved in the game a bit more.

“I didn’t know where I would fit in, but I feel like I can add something to the team at this stage of the season and at least provide an option off the bench if something isn’t happening.”

Originally published as Brisbane’s Benji Marshall reflects on his 2005 grand final triumph over North Queensland