#12 Benji Marshall
This may end up reading awfully similar to my entry on Jarryd Hayne. Another guy who once held the throne as the kinf of the NRL. Benji lead a Tigers outfit predicted for the basement to Grand Final glory and took the Kiwis to a World Cup victory. But recent times haven't been as kind to Benji, rather than the fairytale story of the Tigers in 2005, the 2012 Tigers were predicted at many bookies to win the whole competition, instead they floundered out of the 8, finishing up in 10th and the "Benji Magic" was at times not to be found. The 27 year old is a two time RLIF Five-Eighth of the year, a Golden Boot winner, and a Dally M Five-Eighth of the year winner. Statistically, Benji was again amongst the elite of the league, Third in points with 167, 72 goals, 3 drop goals, 312 kicks in play, and leading all players in the competition with 37 try assists. But the Tigers as a whole were an inconsistent outfit, and Benji both contributed and suffered as a result. Without a stable partner in the halves, Benji wasn't able to play his natural game and despite the high assist total, his attacking game was at times stifled by trying to play a more composed "solid" game which just didn't work for him. By all accounts, the Tigers seem set this year to let Benji be Benji, which is great news for all League fans.
By most players standards, Benji 2012 was still awesome
Pretty much everyone knows the deal when it comes to Benji. Arguably the most talented guy in the competition. A former Australian National Touch team player, there's guys that have all the tricks, then there's the guy who made all the tricks. Benji unleashed on the competition an array of trickery the likes of which has rarely been seen across any football code. He's another guy with a humongous boot on him, a great example of which was shown off when he slotted a 50 metre drop goal against the Titans. His arsenal of flick passes, no look passes, skip out passes allow Benji to put guys into gaps that nobody else would think possible. As he drifts across the field, he leaves defenses almost frozen, it's like Benji slows down time so he can make the decision of which runner he wants to hit with his pass. It's his array of fakes, dummies, and his amazing steps that cause this effect, opposing defenses simply don't have the slightest clue what Benji is going to come up with when he has the ball in hand.. That's why you can't constrain Benji and try to settle him down, you need to let him be free, because there's no gameplan to shut down a free roaming Benji Marshall. No disrespect to his Tigers teammates intended, but I'm pretty sure you could put a wheelie bin at centre and give it the occasional push and Benji would send it in for a few tries a year. If you've watched a few Tigers games then you've no doubt seen it, Benji drifting across the field as the Tigers have various options running through, he dummies, he dummies and then he hits a guy with a perfect pass to see him through a gap untouched.
Benji resorted to 50 metre drop goals to even the playing field with Moltzen
After a few grim years dealing with shoulder issues that threatened to derail his career, Benji has now amassed 179 NRL games and 24 tests for New Zealand where he proudly serves as the captain. At only 27, he should still have a few good years left in him. The Tigers will no doubt enter 2013 with a huge point to prove after such a disappointing 2012 campaign. The exit of Time Sheens will bring a fresh environment to the Tigers and I expect Benji to be able to be himself and really find his game again. While Benji was entirely capable in the roll he was used in 2012, it wasn't the best way to capitalize on his abilities. Benji at his best is selective when he enters the play. He isn't a halfback who can control the whole game and lead everyone around, he's a five-eighth who should be playing off a halfback and breaking the game open, that's how you best utilize the abilities of Benji Marshall. I always thought it said a lot about his ability that so many Australian past players, commentators, "authorities" would openly refer to him, a proud Kiwi, as the best player in the world.
I've spent many a work day watching Benji compilations
Check back in tomorrow for number 11 as we see prepare for the home stretch, the last week of no televised League before the season gets under way. As always I'm on Twitter if you have any criticisms or suggestions @WellsNorthShore
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