Ahead of Friday night’s sudden death semi-final against Canberra, Wests Tigers superstar Benji Marshall has uttered the three words that despairing fans were eager to hear: “I will play”.
The Kiwi international limped away from the heartbreaking golden point loss to the Roosters on Saturday night, with initial reports indicating that his season might be over.
However, after scans revealed that the damage was not as severe as initially feared, combined with intensive treatment over the next five days, Marshall is optimistic about playing at Canberra Stadium.
“I feel alright. I’ve had a few sleepless nights just trying to ice up and do everything I can to be right,” he stated at the Tigers headquarters on Monday.
“I’m reasonably confident. It depends on how much work I put into it and what I will gain from it.”
“There’s a premiership at stake, and I will do everything in my power to make it happen.”
“If I believe I will be ready by game day, I will be out there.”
Marshall participated in a light training session on Monday morning but won’t practice with the team this week. He plans to travel with the team to Canberra, where a fitness assessment will be conducted shortly before kick-off.
“It’s all about recovery right now,” Marshall mentioned.
“I will have a better idea by tomorrow or Wednesday, but based on the last few days, things look promising.”
“Even if I cannot train this week, the coach trusts me enough to know that I’ll still be able to perform my role.”
Additionally, the Tigers are dealing with injury issues concerning Geoff Daniela (hamstring), Gareth Ellis (back), and Liam Fulton (knee).
