Wests Tigers Head Coach Michael Maguire has his say on the importance of maintaining cohesion within the halves as the team prepares to take on Penrith Panthers tonight.
After sitting out the last month, Benji Marshall will return from a hamstring injury picked up in Round 3 at Suncorp Stadium this evening, with Maguire pointing out the efforts of the veteran playmaker to make his much-needed return to the side.
“He’s ready to go and looking forward to playing," Maguire said.
"It’s been a bit of a frustrating one for him but he’s ready to go now.
"He’s been doing a lot of work in the background so we’re all looking forward to having him back. [The delay in his return] is just with the tightness of the hamstring — they’re a tricky injury but we’ve got some good people in the background sorting him out, so he’s done all the work and ready to go."
In Marshall's absence, Josh Reynolds was included in the team until he also picked up an injury, which led to the make-shift solution of Ryan Matterson last week. The disruption in the halves will now be put to a halt with the return of Marshall, however, with Maguire highlighting the importance of that cohesion within the side.
Putting the finishing touches on!
“The cohesion within the team has been a bit of a challenge," Maguire admitted.
"But in saying that we’ve got some good people there to do the job.
"[Luke] Brooks is really starting to get a hold of his game now.
"I've been really pleased with the way he's grown through this period but it’s on again now and he’s got to turn up and do the things he’s been doing for the team.
"To have someone there alongside him for a consistent run will really help.”
