Benji Marshall rolled back the clock and put on a training masterclass in a bid to help the Wests Tigers try to stop one-time target and Parramatta’s new $6m man, Mitchell Moses.
At the ripe old age of 38, Marshall produced some magical touches at Concord on Friday as he completed the entire session running with the opposition side – and directly opposite Luke Brooks.
Marshall only gets hands-on for the majority of a session if the club is short on numbers. But his display in the training run, firing cut-out passes and directing traffic around the park, will be on par with whatever Moses can produce on Easter Monday.
Brooks was full of praise for Marshall, who – it must be said – had the luxury of not being roughed up too much by the players.
It is hard to think of any other club that boasts an incoming head coach so willing and able to get as heavily involved as Marshall does.
“He’s pretty hard to stop out there,” Brooks said. “He could still play, and he is fit. I think it’s seeing how his body would hold up. But it’s good to have someone like him run their attack so we know what’s coming [on the weekend].”
Benji Marshall put on a training masterclass on Friday, emulating what the Tigers can expect from Mitchell MosesCredit: Getty Images
Moses inked a deal worth around $1.2m a season to stay at the Eels, while Brooks, who is on around $1.1m this year as part of a heavily back-ended deal, will need to take a substantial pay cut next year.
He has not spoken publicly since Moses rejected the chance to come home and join him at the joint venture, but said he was none the wiser about his own movements for 2024 and beyond.
“I would have loved to have Mitch here, but I’m happy for him, and he got the best deal for him and where he will be happy,” Brooks said.
“It doesn’t impact [what I do]. I haven’t thought about it too much. I’m focused on playing footy. I haven’t spoken to them [the Tigers] at all. We haven’t had a good start. I just want a win. In a perfect world I’d love to [stay]. I know it doesn’t work out that way. Whatever happens, happens.”
Luke Brooks has had no conversations with the Tigers about a new deal.Credit: Getty
The Tigers chased Cameron Munster, then Moses, then sent an SOS to Mitchell Pearce just last week, only for the former Sydney Roosters and NSW Origin playmaker to stay loyal to Super League club Catalans.
Brooks said the club’s public pursuit of high-profile players in his position had not dented his confidence.
He dodges most of the relentless criticism because he does not do social media, but also appreciated “[being] in my position as a halfback, and getting paid well, that’s the way it’s going to be; I’m just used to it now”.
“When you look at those sorts of players [the club have tried to sign], you’d welcome them, and they are great players; they would benefit me and the team,” Brooks said.
There is a sense of déjà vu about the Easter clash given the Tigers were also 0-5 coming into last year’s fixture against the Eels, with a last-minute field-goal from Jackson Hastings sealing their first win.
Brooks will unite with Adam Doueihi in the halves with Charlie Staines getting the nod over Daine Laurie for the starting fullback role.
David Klemmer plays his 200th game while John Bateman, who was on the end of a bell-ringing tackle at training – and was even spotted vomiting after the brutal hit – will strip fitter again after a delayed start to the campaign.
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