Sydney Roosters back rookie hooker Ben Marschke to excel in must-win semi-final
Ben Marschke only has 12 NRL games under his belt, but the Sydney Roosters believe he possesses the toughness and smarts to impress on the big semi-final stage.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Ben Marschke is a rookie still on a $60,000 development contract, but the Sydney Roosters have no doubts he will deliver when replacing suspended hooker Sam Verrills for Friday’s semi-final against Manly.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson confirmed Marschke will replace Verrills at hooker for the must-win clash.
Robinson is a big fan of the hardworking No. 9, who has gone on to play 12 NRL games this season after starting the year in the NSW Cup with North Sydney.
“Ben will come in; he has played a lot of games in the middle,” Robinson said.
“It was good to get him back to the club and playing with some of the guys he had played in junior reps with through the under 20s.
“Having him back at North Sydney and watching him play with the tenacity he plays with, it’s been quite an easy choice to bring him in there.
“He’s a really popular, positive guy and he takes his time to help the other guys in and around training. He is always upbeat and positive.
“He has played a lot of footy. We knew the scenario going into Tuesday night, and now Benny gets his opportunity. It’s a really important role and Benny has a real hooker temperament.”
Robinson remained tight-lipped when asked about Verrills’ two-game suspension for his grade two careless high tackle charge.
“Pretty simply, we didn’t think it was a grade two,” he said.
“We believed in our case, and we didn’t believe it was a grade two, but it wasn’t to be.
“The match review committee have decided that’s two games. We’ll just move on.”
Originally published as Sydney Roosters back rookie hooker Ben Marschke to excel in must-win semi-final
North Queensland rookie is ready to take control of Cowboys
Tom Duffy may be an NRL rookie but the young playmaker is primed for the big time thanks to a patient approach by North Queensland – and some words of wisdom from a legend.
The dark horse contender for NRL’s buy of the year
The player market frenzy has set-up a hotly contested field for ‘buy of the year’ honours, and former NRL star Mitchell Pearce is tipping a surprise contender to win the crown. See who is in the running and have your say.