The Prenter Report #19
New Zealand could well heed the advice of crack coach Tim Sheens when it comes to assessing the brilliant Benji Marshall before any decision is made on World Cup selection.
Sheens has heard the rumour mill churning out suggestions that the Kiwis may well overlook Marshall, a match winner for the West Tigers in the NRL last round, when they name their team for the upcoming World Cup.
“I am hearing whispers that Benji may struggle to make the Kiwis line-up and that may, at this stage, be in his interests,” said Sheens, Marshall’s club coach.
“Benji needs to convince his home country that he can provide the goods week in, week out.
“He was great in attack last week but he did miss a couple of tackles and failed to make another.
“If he can maintain consistency then I would recommend to the Kiwis that they choose him at No.6
“Five-eighth is where he will give them most value, even though I am considering using him long term at No.7
“If I was selecting the Kiwis side Benji would be five-eighth.
“He does need to put good games together and he is capable of doing just that.
“However, news that he is no certainty in the Kiwis line-up maybe not a bad thing.”
Marshall is, without fear of contradiction, one of the most skilful players in the game.
He has so much natural ability that he can produce match winning efforts from halfback, five-eighth, centre and fullback. He is a true master of innovation and creativity.
“Benji has played in all those positions for me” said Sheens.
“But I do think five-eighth is where he will shine in the World Cup.
New Zealand plays their opening game in the 2008 World Cup against Australia at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday, 26 October.
The game will be the highlight of the official opening ceremony.
Thousands of Kiwi residents in the eastern suburbs of Sydney are expected to help produce a full house.
Adult ticket prices for the opening ceremony and the Australia-New Zealand clash range from $33 to $75.
By Geoff Prenter