If Sheens goes should Benji follow?

[37916319]

Maybe I'm reading into his actions too much but to me Benji looks disinterested and winning is not important anymore. He looked pretty content after last weeks thumping.

I can't see both Benji and Farah finishing here, one will go soon and I know who id be keeping. We have a premiership winning, world cup winning, NZ Captain and Golden Boot winner asking himself why am I not captain VS our current captain, possibly the most inspirational player to put on a Tigers Jersey since the merger.

Don't get me wrong, on his day he is the most dangerous 5/8 in the game but this deep into his career a attitude adjustment maybe asking too much.

 

[TrigaTheTiger]

He wont admit it, but the best thing for Benji would be to be coached by someone else.

Sheens did a good job at the start, but is now coaching out all of his attaching brilliance.

Ultimately, Im with you - if I had to choose, I would choose Farah.

But I think Benji's game would be better coached by someone who understands how a half should play. And also by someone who just lets him at it.

 

[TrigaTheTiger]

And before the Mongs attack me for being anti Sheens -

Sheens played prop when he played footy - and from memory - was not outstanding.

Ricky Stuart or else someone who just lets Benji go (Kearny) would be great for us.

Not going to tho is it...

 

[Magpies Forever]

Benji would have to submit to some new rigours and limitations on his current freedom. Whether the ego would allow it who knows. Pretty sure a new coach's actions would inc:

* moving Benji back to 6
* putting more structure into WT plays which probably will mean less of 'throw it to Benji and hope'
* a new 7 to call the shots
* limiting our 'media stars' Benji and Beau and getting them concentrating on football and lessening their TV obligations
* tell some home truths about past performances, failures and new expectations
*total clean out of players the coach doesnt want and new faces coming in

More than just Benji will be having a shock to their complacency.

 

[Clifferd]

I wouldn't go well seeing Wests Tigers greatest product out the door.

When a coach tries to steer you out of your natural playing abilities, and to which Benji certainly has, it's certainly going to screw you up. Benji isn't know for his organising and structured attack...

He needs to be at five eight, a second receiver where he was known as being the best in the world winning a golden boot, a premiership, a four nations and a world cup. Being at second receiver gave him a lot of space and of course with his running game and step he was able to create opportunities for himself and other players.

It pains me to say it, but Robert Lui was great for Marshall. His defense wasn't good but he was the best halfback we've had since Scott Prince.

 

[madunit]

I dare say Benji and Beau's TV gigs are most likely a part of their third party salary deals.

 

[innsaneink]

If Benji wants his career to continue to go nowhere....he should follow.

If he wants the remaining few short years of his career to grow, to learn, to be taught and undertstand new facets of the game of rugby league, he'd do well to drop his dribble about how there is none better than Sheens......never has a talented young man been so publicly misguided....except maybe in the boxing game

 

[Pistol_Pete]

It's sad to watch a potentially great career ruined because he never had a coach who had the balls or the inclination to reign in Benji's over exuberance, then destroyed him by moving him for the upteenth time to a position that he will never be any good at

 

[Tiger05]

Benji playing like a moron is in my opinion Benji's fault.

Do you ever throw a pass like he did tonight - let alone on tackle zero in your half in a crucial game. Blaming him playing 7 is so wrong as well. That had nothing to do with the number of his back - it was just poor play.

He is a potential weapon for us but geez something needs to change.

 

[CrazyTiger]

Benji playing like a moron is in my opinion Benji's fault.

Do you ever throw a pass like he did tonight - let alone on tackle zero in your half in a crucial game. Blaming him playing 7 is so wrong as well. That had nothing to do with the number of his back - it was just poor play.

He is a potential weapon for us but geez something needs to change.

He will never be a great player. He can't think on his feet.

 

[gordsy]

It seems their is no accountability on Benji to be better year in year out. His kicking is still sh^t and his go fro the glory play hasn't gotten better nor has his tackling.

 

[leoc]

He will never be a great player. He can't think on his feet.

Even though Benji has been terrible, I can't agree!! I think he has struggled without the balance from a talented & regular halves partner. The last time he really looked good consistently was when Prince was around. Just hope his best won't be behind him by the time we establish a halves partner for him again!

 

[innsaneink]

Great at touch footy, broken play and against retreating - no idea defensive lines (Parra game)....struggles against cohesive, communicative, structured and dominant D lines

 

[Old Time Tiger]

After watching that effort tonight, I'd let him go.

If you want to play 1st grade Benji, put in please.

Farah would not have turned it in like Benji did tonight. Need to retain Farah at all costs.

However, I think the one who should go is Sheens and the next coach must stick with a 7 & let Benji play 6.

Did anyone notice tonight the back line from a scrum? Moltzen fed it, Marshall 1st receiver, then Lawrence and then Ayshford. Thanks Sheens.

 

[duck_dodgers]

Benji made some poor plays tonight but from memory I dont think he plays that great when Farah doesnt play .

But other clubs struggle too when one of their key cogs is missing . The Storm lost 5 straight this year when Slater didnt play .

 

[b.bear]

Benji is agreat runner of the ball who at times has a good trickshot pass but he is not a footy player, a real football head.that's where Robbie comes in to the picture he is the football brains in the outfit just like Prince way back when and to a lesser extent lui when he was around.

We need a very solid football player to play half and I don't think junior novice half will do.we need a mature player to offset craziness that we somtimes witness with benji.The big problem is identifying that player.

Benji needs to step back from media commitments he has and concentrate on footy he has got to much goin' on and he has to remember that without football he has no profile(not the most insightful with comments he makes in the tv & print media) and that football is his bread and butter.