Having helped spoil Billy Slater's 300th NRL game as the Tigers stunned the Storm on Saturday night, Benji Marshall made sure the Melbourne fullback's night at least ended on the right note.
While Slater was on the wrong end of a surprise 10-8 defeat, the veteran can have no complaints about the send off he received after Marshall literally marshalled his teammates into ensuring Slater left the field with the recognition he deserved.
As his Tigers teammates rightly soaked up another incredible win with fans, Marshall paused an interview with Fox Sports to order his fellow players to form a guard of honour.
Class from Benji Marshall and the @WestsTigers!
— NRL (@NRL) March 17, 2018
Cutting celebrations short to form a guard of honour for @billyslater. 👏#NRLStormTigers #NRL pic.twitter.com/Jyzu7Rx8bR
The moment summed up the class of Marshall who has returned to the Tigers with a level of experience and seniority the club has sorely needed.
MORE: Melbourne Storm let Billy Slater down in 300th NRL game, says Bellamy
Brought back to the club primarily for his leadership qualities off the pitch, the 33-year-old has also shown he can still lead a side on it, with a last-minute injury to Josh Reynolds in Round 1 seeing Marshall promoted into the starting side.
Though short of game time having only made 14 appearance for the Broncos last season, Marshall has impressed back in Tigers' colours providing a solid halves pairing for Luke Brooks, who crossed for the match-winning try against the Storm.
Whatever Bennett did to Benji Marshall while at the Broncos has worked a treat - he is a completely different player. Different mentality, a real leader, a calm and level headed influence on and off the field. 👏👏👏
— Ross Catanzariti (@bosco08) March 17, 2018
Benji Marshall is playing with more confidence than we’ve seen from him in years... Cleary doing a cracking job with the @WestsTigers #iknow #earlydays @WestsTigers
— Erin Molan (@Erin_Molan) March 17, 2018
With his side dismissed in pre-season, Ivan Cleary has now steered the Tigers to consecutive shock victories against two sides that were tipped as premiership favourites.
Marshall will look to ensure it's three straight wins next weekend as the Tigers host the Broncos at Campbelltown Stadium.
During the interview he interrupted after the win against the Storm, Marshall was full of praise for his side.
"Really proud of the boys effort," he told Fox Sports.
"When you come to Melbourne and play a game like this.
"To get the two points honestly for us it's a great start to the season but there's a still little bit to go."
