NRL: The Benji Marshall era is off to an encouraging start after the Wests Tigers showed plenty of promise in a gripping 18-16 win over the Warriors.
The first round of the Pre-season Challenge was action-packed but it wasn’t without drama and several stars now under a serious injury cloud for Round 1.
Marshall signed Aidan Sezer, Jayden Sullivan and Latu Fainu all completed their first pre-season at the Tigers ahead of their 2024 campaign and Marshall’s first game as coach was a big success. But after scoring a try and steering the ship in impressive fashion, Marshall’s decision to recruit the 32-year-old could prove to be a masterstroke.
The Broncos may have lost four of their grand final players to rival clubs this summer, but the club looks set for another big year after several of those voids were filled on Sunday. Cobbo finished with 108 metres from 12 carries that produced three tackle busts and a linebreak in the trial.“But word is he’s never trained harder, his mindset is absolutely razor sharp and that can only be a good thing because this man has all the talent in the world and if he’s running hot in the centres for the Broncos, look out opposition.”
Piakura got through a mountain of work against the Cowboys and scored two tries, the second of which was a barnstorming run from 30 metres out. Demetriou revealed at full-time he believes he’s fixed one of the areas his men were lacking at the back end of 2023. “He was a player I was really keen to get to the club and fortunately for us it worked out, he’s 25 and has his best footy ahead of him, I don’t think he’s anywhere near the ceiling in terms of his potential,” Demetriou said.
“I love what he brings, he’s a little man and I was fortunate to play with a little man over in England, Rob Burrow, and he was one of the best competitors I ever played with and Jai really reminds me of him. Xerri, 23, is locked in a battle for a starting spot in Round 1 with Jacob Kiraz and Blake Wilson and has so far done his chances no harm.
His next assignment is a showdown with the Sharks next Friday, but he isn’t worried about running into his former teammates with Xerri more concerned with familiarising himself with new rules like the six again interpretation which wasn’t around the last time he was in the NRL.Knights coach Adam O’Brien said before Saturday’s game against the Sharks that a bit of “healthy” competition in the halves was always a good headache to have.
In the case of Hastings, he was pinpoint with his fifth-tackle options as he set up three tries off the boot. “There’s no doubt that is the difference between these two teams. The best players in the key positions for Newcastle are hitting the scoreboard with a couple of big plays.” The Daily Telegraph is reporting he has suffered ligament damage to his neck which could require surgery, ruling him out for the opening rounds of the season.
The 32-year-old has been one of Robinson’s most loyal servants and is a club legend, so leaving him out would be a huge call. Cotric played for New South Wales and Australia and is still only 25, but his future in the NRL as a regular starter is becoming less and less certain.
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