As a player, Benji Marshall was never afraid to take a chance. After selecting 18-year-old Lachlan Galvin to debut at five-eighth in Wests Tigers season opener, he's showing the same quality as a coach.
From the start of his first pre-season in charge, Tigers coach Benji Marshall maintained he would pick the players who demanded selection regardless of age or reputation.
"Lachie and Solomona have earned the opportunity. They put a lot of pressure on me for selection, and that's what I thought was best for the team. Tallyn da Silva, one of the club's new generation of prospects, played five NRL matches last season and is still young enough to play SG Ball this year.He was barely 18 when he debuted back in 2003 and he retained enough of that youthful energy that even now, 21 years into the future and three seasons after retiring, he does not look like an old man as he trains alongside his charges or sound like one when he speaks to them.
"When you see a guy train the way he has in the pre-season, then you put him in situations where he's playing against the big boys in the second team, and he's carving them up, then you put him on in a trial, and he brings energy and a fresh spark, two weeks after that , he's been outstanding.It's easy to see why Marshall has made this decision. If Galvin is the future, what's the point of waiting? Nobody waited for Marshall and look how that turned out.
Relieving that pressure on Galvin won't be easy, especially given the Tigers faithful are desperate for something new to believe in, but Marshall will do what he can to shield his new five-eighth from the hype. But Marshall believes he can handle both the physical barrage from Canberra and the mental pressures that come when everyone believes you're a saviour."It's first grade, you expect that from anyone who makes their debut, especially in the halves where you will have to make a few tackles," said Marshall."They’re a physical team, at home they’ll be tough to beat."His role is no different to the other 16 blokes who take the field. Do your job, and do it well.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
$5000 a small price for Wests Tigers to bring hyped teenager homeA family member offered to step in and help Lachlan Galvin return to the Wests Tigers.
Read more »
Rugby League: Benji Marshall's Rookie Prodigy Set to DebutA new Tiger and a Rabbitohs rising star make headlines in the rugby league world. Wayne Bennett makes changes after a disappointing Round 1 performance.
Read more »
Broncos switch puts rivals on notice; Benji recruit silences critics: What we learnedNRL: The Benji Marshall era is off to an encouraging start after the Wests Tigers showed plenty of promise in a gripping 18-16 win over the Warriors.
Read more »
Around the clubs: Benji turns to Tigers rookies, Addo-Carr pushes to playBenji Marshall has turned to a teen prodigy and unknown centre as Josh Addo-Carr races the clock and Souths add another representative star to their casualty ward.
Read more »
‘Ask anyone in the building’: Benji hits back at ‘not true’ claim in fiery interviewNRL: Benji Marshall hit back regarding criticisms around his coaching work ethic, and backed his approach heading into the Wests Tigers first game of the year.
Read more »
‘Why should he get latitude?’ Concerns raised over Benji’s relaxed coaching approachNRL: Benji Marshall's different approach to coaching has raised concerns about whether his style is too relaxed for a first grade coach
Read more »