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BENJI INSPIRES YOUNG TIGERS TO MASSIVE UPSET OVER SHARKS
Cooper Cronk has challenged the Tigers to create winning habits and show up consistently for Benji Marshall after their impressive 32-6 upset win over the Sharks.
Cronk believes it was always going to take Marshall time to reverse losing habits, but the Tigers now have a blueprint for what works in the NRL.
“It is good to see Leichhardt rocking and the Tigers winning,” Cronk said.
“This is a team that is coming from a long way back with two wooden spoons and Benji has stepped into the hot seat.
“They had a poor performance last week. First game back at Leichhardt and he spoke about it like he was returning to lace up the boots and his players delivered.
“He obviously hit them between the eyes during the week.”
Cronk paid tribute to key recruits Api Koroisau and Justin Olam for setting the tone as well as young guns Lachlan Galvin and Jahream Bula, who were all exceptional in the big win.
“Jahream Bula was terrific,” Cronk said.
“I love what Koroisau did. Justin Olam who was quiet at the Melbourne Storm had that impact and influence in terms of his try-scoring ability and his defence as well.
“I like what the halves did. He made a big call to swap them. He had Sezer set up for most of the pre-season. Round 1 he brings in Sullivan and then hooks Sullivan and brings Sezer back in.
“He handed a victory to his team because he was the guy. He was the good decision maker and organiser.
“Then Galvin had some touches and Koroisau was the best player on the field and Jahream Bula hit the scoreboard with some tricks.”
Mal Meninga believes Marshall’s experience as a player early in his career makes him the ideal mentor for young stars like Galvin and Bula.
“Benji has been there and done that,” Meninga said.
“He won a premiership with the Tigers by Sheens saying, back yourself and have faith in your own ability and the senior guys in that team then had faith in Benji’s ability.
“From his experience he understands how you get the best out of young players.
“You coach to your own personality. You don’t coach any other way really.”
Cronk believes Marshall’s ability to protect and nurture his young players off the field is just as important at such an early stage in their careers.
“It is more than just coaching for Benji because he has got those two young coaches in Galvin and Bula,” Cronk said.
“The noise or the history and access with social media and the feedback that is straight on your doorstep every day of the week.
“It is not just football to the Wests Tigers. There is more to it.
“I like that Benji is coaching the kid. He is coaching the person. He is coaching Api Koroisau to be that influence and David Klemmer and Aidan Sezer as well.
“I like the fact that they have won. Reality kicks in at some stage and they are going to have to play again and keep the wins coming.
“But for now create the habits and get the understanding of what winning is like.
“The fact they played at Leichhardt was a huge emotional thing for them and they got the job done.”