NRL 2017: Josh Dugan defends Benji Marshall, says he can make centre switch at Broncos
John Dean, FOX SPORTS
January 16, 2017 6:00am
ST GEORGE Illawarra fullback Josh Dugan has defended former teammate Benji Marshall, claiming the veteran was made a scapegoat for the Dragons’ poor performances last season.
The Dragons’ attack was heavily criticised in 2016. The side struggled to find the white line and ended up with a points accumulation just marginally better than wooden spooners Newcastle.
Marshall was dogged with hamstring issues for much of the year, but being the team’s halfback at the time, a lot of the blame was pointed in his direction.
In his 16 appearances for the Red V, Marshall had 13 try assists, 12 linebreak assists and 33 tackle busts. He also averaged 245 kick metres and just under three missed tackles per game.
Josh Dugan and Benji Marshall during their time together at the Dragons. Picture: Gregg Porteous
“He was sort of thrown in the deep end and made a scapegoat,” Dugan told
foxsports.com.au.
“As a whole, we never performed up to our standards.
“I don’t think you can put that blame on any one player, and for that, I definitely think he was thrown under the bus.”
The Dragons decided not to re-sign the 31-year-old, and he has now linked up with Brisbane after being handed a lifeline by coach Wayne Bennett.
Benji Marshall has joined the Broncos. Picture: Annette Dew
“I’m really happy for him that he’s got another gig,” Dugan said.
“I texted him as soon as I found out and said ‘I’m happy for you, I hope everything works out’.
“I hope he does go well because he’s a great bloke and a great player and I feel he’s still got a few years left in him to play some good footy.
“It was unfortunate that he had to leave us but good luck to him.”
Marshall’s move to the Broncos was met with much intrigue given the star power the club already possesses across the park.
The former Kiwi international has recently been spotted training in the left centre spot at Brisbane, the position he’s most likely to play if he’s to appear in first grade.
Corey Oates and Benji Marshall at Broncos training. Picture: Annette Dew
Dugan himself has made a successful switch to the centres at Origin and international level and scored a double for Australia in last year’s Four Nations final at Anfield.
When asked whether Marshall could make a similar shift, Dugan said: “Yeah, he played centre when he was younger and he defends at three and two anyway, so it’s pretty much the same defensive principles.
“He’s not a bad defender either. He’s a ball runner and he’s a dangerous one at that.
“I think if he gets any sort of space he can be dangerous in the centres.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s/news-story/1ca77f441275fd1477e5641c7aa9de82
