Arthur Summons, a league legend, has given Wests Tigers superstar Benji Marshall the highest praise, stating that the modern-day magician is the best player he has ever witnessed.
“He’s simply extraordinary,” remarked the energetic 75-year-old as the anticipation built ahead of Friday night’s clash against St George Illawarra at Sydney Football Stadium.
“I have never seen anyone superior.”
Typically, stars from previous generations tend to favor the greats of their own time when discussing the best players… but Arthur is different.
Even fifty years after this Western Suburbs icon competed in three successive losing grand finals from 1961 to 1963 against the formidable St George squad featuring rugby league Immortals such as Reg Gasnier, John Raper, Graeme Langlands, and the legendary Norm Provan, Summons was quick to reaffirm his assertion that Benji is his top choice.
“He’s a freak, that’s for sure,” he stated.
“There’s absolutely no one better than him.”
“To consistently deliver that level of performance and the magic he brings week after week is no small feat.”
Summons is set to be a special guest at Friday’s match, alongside many of his former teammates and a few opponents from St George, as Wests Tigers honors the 50th anniversary of the 1961 grand final.
In the afternoon, players from both teams will attend a luncheon at Coogee Crowne Plaza before being introduced to the audience at the SFS. Summons is hopeful that the Wests Tigers can outshine his old rivals in 2011.
“One (losing grand final) was tough enough,” he chuckled.
“But three… it’s devastating.”
When asked about his views on current players, Summons commented, “They are phenomenal athletes, there’s no denying that…they’re in top shape.”
“After our matches, we used to indulge in drinks. Nowadays, if they wish to enjoy a drink, someone wants to bring them down.”
Yet, Benji Marshall remains his favorite player. He watched last Friday’s exciting comeback win over Manly, admitting he was astounded by Marshall’s performance.
“I don’t miss a single game,” he laughed.
“Even though I’m in Wagga, I catch all the matches on TV. He performed some astounding feats, didn’t he? The no-look pass displays remarkable skill. Of course, he needs the other players to be present to elevate his game. If he makes that pass with no one there, he’d simply look foolish. But he clearly involves the players in his playmaking.”
“Can anyone recall a halfback capable of doing what he does?… He has transformed the game…only a handful of players can genuinely claim to have made such an impact.”
“Joey Johns is one. The King from Queensland, Wally Lewis, also changed the game’s direction… and this kid is doing the same.”
“So, who today can replicate that?”
“No one.”
When asked if he thought Marshall could further enhance his performance in the future, Summons replied, “I find it challenging to envision how he could improve upon what he’s already achieving.”
“I suppose the main aspect he could refine is the consistency that comes with executing at that level every week.”
Benji Marshall: By The Numbers
- 767: Points in the NRL
- 259: Goals in the NRL
- 148: Career matches in the NRL
- 119: Try Assists in the NRL
- 82: NRL matches won
- 78: Linebreaks in the NRL
- 61: NRL tries
- 21: Tests for New Zealand
- 9: Test tries
- 1: World Cup final victory
- 1: NRL premiership
- 60,742 (and counting): Friends on Facebook
by Buford Balony
