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Play Benji at half: Sheens
By Ray Chesterton
October 20, 2008 WESTS coach Tim Sheens has not swapped his allegiance to Australia but he is offering NewZealand perceptive advice about one of their key players in the World Cup.
"Play Benji Marshall at half-back," Sheens says.
"It's in the Kiwis' best interests to at least look at him in that position. I'm keen to do it myself next year at the Tigers so I'm not pushing anything that I won't be doing myself."
Coaches giving unsolicited advice to other coaches that is not booby-trapped by private agendas is rare in rugby league. It is even rarer at international level but Sheens has been a decisive figure in Marshall's career for four years at the Tigers and knows his skill better than anyone.
Marshall's had a few games at half in first grade but he impressed Sheens with a comprehensive display in the final round game against Gold Coast.
"I'm hoping they (the Kiwis) do play him at half. It will give me a chance to determine if it (the Gold Coast game) was a one-off or, as I think it is, the best move for him in the future."
Sheens said Marshall at half would bring added menace to the Kiwis. "I hope they see the value of letting him run the side," he said. "The Kiwis desperately need that, someone to run them around. He's a better kicker than people realise."
Sheens said Marshall's attitude to playing half was changing. Eighteen months ago he was against switching. Now he seemed more agreeable.
The Kiwi camp is happy with Marshall's performances, and say he is back to his best.
Jeezus............................. I thought Teflon had already made up his mind to play Marshall at 1/2 in 2009. Recall what he was saying then- sounds like there is a bit of backsliding there now. Maybe because we have some players capable of playing 1/2 now? eg Moltzen. Mind you, iof he can slip Marsall in to 1/2 then he can slot his good old favourite Morris in to 5/8 and keep getting away with it.................
By Ray Chesterton
October 20, 2008 WESTS coach Tim Sheens has not swapped his allegiance to Australia but he is offering NewZealand perceptive advice about one of their key players in the World Cup.
"Play Benji Marshall at half-back," Sheens says.
"It's in the Kiwis' best interests to at least look at him in that position. I'm keen to do it myself next year at the Tigers so I'm not pushing anything that I won't be doing myself."
Coaches giving unsolicited advice to other coaches that is not booby-trapped by private agendas is rare in rugby league. It is even rarer at international level but Sheens has been a decisive figure in Marshall's career for four years at the Tigers and knows his skill better than anyone.
Marshall's had a few games at half in first grade but he impressed Sheens with a comprehensive display in the final round game against Gold Coast.
"I'm hoping they (the Kiwis) do play him at half. It will give me a chance to determine if it (the Gold Coast game) was a one-off or, as I think it is, the best move for him in the future."
Sheens said Marshall at half would bring added menace to the Kiwis. "I hope they see the value of letting him run the side," he said. "The Kiwis desperately need that, someone to run them around. He's a better kicker than people realise."
Sheens said Marshall's attitude to playing half was changing. Eighteen months ago he was against switching. Now he seemed more agreeable.
The Kiwi camp is happy with Marshall's performances, and say he is back to his best.
Jeezus............................. I thought Teflon had already made up his mind to play Marshall at 1/2 in 2009. Recall what he was saying then- sounds like there is a bit of backsliding there now. Maybe because we have some players capable of playing 1/2 now? eg Moltzen. Mind you, iof he can slip Marsall in to 1/2 then he can slot his good old favourite Morris in to 5/8 and keep getting away with it.................
