Benji Marshall labels rookie Wests Tigers halfback Robert Lui a freak
By Christian Nicolussi
February 18, 2010 Benji Marshall says his new halves partner Robbie Lui is a "freak" and hopes he can finally become Wests Tigers' long-term No. 7.
Lui will be given every chance to make the halfback role his own with Tim Moltzen, last year's playmaker, expected to remain at fullback and dual international recruit Lote Tuqiri on the wing.
Marshall has trained hard with Lui and thinks the youngster could be the name on fans' lips.
"The change I've seen in him from last year to this year has been incredible," he said.
"I think people will see something special. He's a freak, got natural talent and so deceiving when he runs, he's going a lot faster than you think."
The Tigers have gone through John Morris (23 games), Robbie Farah (11), Matthew Head (10), Moltzen (5) and Marshall himself (20) since Scott Prince departed after the 2005 premiership. Arana Taumata has also impressed during the pre-season and can slot in at halfback.
Marshall said "anything less than making the eight was not acceptable" and stressed the Tigers needed to start strong.
Meanwhile, Marshall remains a firm favourite with the fans. He visited several schools with Moltzen on Wednesday and, during a side-stepping drill at St Brendan's at Annandale, had one female teacher leaping into his arms for a quick cuddle with her hero.
sounds like the halves combo is settled then
