Benji Marshall and Josh Reynolds could keep their unlikely hooking combination for at least another week as part of the Wests Tigers’ NRL finals assault.
The Tigers made the shock move to start Marshall at dummy-half for the first time in his career against Newcastle on Saturday, with Reynolds coming off the bench.
The move allowed the Tigers to defend regular lock Ryan Matterson at hooker and play five-eighth in attack for the opening 20 minutes before Reynolds entered the frame.
Marshall and Reynolds have found themselves battling it out for the No.6 jersey at the start of the last two seasons, but could now share the dummy-half role.
Jacob Liddle (knee) is out for the year and Robbie Farah (leg) is unlikely to return, while Moses Mbye (quad) is another option but remains “touch and go” for next week.
It comes at a crucial time, with the Tigers needing to beat St George Illawarra next Sunday and back it up against Cronulla in the last round to have a shot at playing in the finals.
“Benj has definitely given me some options there,” coach Michael Maguire said.
“I was pleased by the players they went out and executed it.
“It’s an important week for us. Everyone knows the situation we are at and the players do. The players showed tonight what it means to them.
“Benji did a good job for us there. We will look at this week and see how we want to go.”
Maguire lauded the mindset of Reynolds in the win.
Injured and overlooked since April, the 30-year-old has been told he can look elsewhere for next season.
Playing out of position he made an immediate impact with a darting run with his first touch in Saturday’s 46-4 win and later put David Nofoaluma through a hole.
“The way he showed and carried himself right through all the noise that has been around that space, he has been very professional in that,” Maguire said.
“He and I have spoken throughout the season and he has had some tough times with some injuries in the past two years.
“To see him get out there and play with the boys, I thought he brought a lot of energy.
“To see his first half he got out of dummy-half and had a good run. He hasn’t played dummy-half for some time. He got a run and jumped straight into it.”