From today's CT:
Marshall's back to chalk up more tries
By Peter Fitzgerald
Thursday, 16 September 2004
Five tries in three first-grade matches is impressive enough, one would think.
The worrying thing for the Parramatta premier league side this week is new sensation Marshall Chalk hasn't even been playing in his preferred position in the top grade.
The 23-year-old returns to fullback in Saturday's elimination semi-final against the Eels after playing his three top-grade matches on the wing.
Chalk has played the majority of his football in the No1 jersey but with Clinton Schifcofske having that position secured in first grade, he has been on the wing.
Despite not disliking playing on the flank, Chalk is looking forward to returning to fullback on the weekend.
"I'm not too worried," he said.
"In first grade I played second fullback a bit anyway and spent a fair bit of time in the middle of the field which was good.
"I'm pretty comfortable back there and looking forward to getting back there."
After his short, yet dominant, stint in the Raiders' senior side - in which he scored four tries against the Rabbitohs a fortnight ago and another four-pointer in Sunday's loss to the Roosters - the former Ipswich Jet believes there will be more expectation on him to perform back in the lower grade.
Chalk sustained a corked right thigh during the loss to Sydney City on Sunday but was still able to train on Tuesday.
Despite the added expectation, he believes the pressure factor will be less.
"I guess I'm one of the senior players now back in premier league so I'll be expected to help lead the young guys around the paddock a bit more," he said.
"But in reserves, there's probably less pressure than first grade. We're pretty relaxed in reserves which is good."
Following the senior side's exit from the competition, the majority of players enjoyed a drinking session heading into their 'Mad Monday' earlier in the week but unfortunately for Chalk - along with Nathan Smith, Josh Miller, Jarred Lawrence and Phil Graham - he had to monitor just how much celebrating took place.
"Snoop [premier league coach Wayne Collins] told us after the match to enjoy the moment but to make sure we're ready to train by Tuesday," Chalk said.
"We had a few drinks but behaved ourselves as well.
"Everyone's looking forward to this weekend. I've played most of my year [in premier league] so I still feel part of the team which is good."
After his rapid rise at the top level, Chalk last week agreed to a new two-year contract to remain with the Raiders.
