The Tigers may be forced to lean on their $750,000 reserve grade star Josh Reynolds to prove a point against former coach Ivan Cleary's Panthers next week after Benji Marshall suffered a hamstring injury.
Michael Maguire endured his first defeat at his new club as Dean Pay's drastic line-up changes gave the last-placed Bulldogs the kick they needed, convincingly leaving Campbelltown with two competition points in a 22-8 win.
Marshall failed to complete the game and was immediately rushed up the sheds in the 64th minute limping on one leg.
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The seriousness of the hamstring issue is still in the air, but it is expected the veteran five-eighth will spend at least some time on the sidelines.
‘’He had a tight hamstring there so we will have to have a look at the and see how he goes,’’ Maguire said after the defeat.
‘’It was fairly tight towards the end. I just spoke to him then and he said he wasn’t quite sure (how serious it is) at the moment.’’
Benji Marshall left the field with a hamstring injury. Once again very hard to play the next week even after the most minor of hamstring strains. General recovery guide for minor hamstring strains:
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 31, 2019
Grade 1: 2-4 weeks
Grade 2: 3-6 weeks#NRLTigersBulldogs
Marshall was racing the clock to be fit for round one after tearing his hamstring in a demanding pre-season training session but managed to pass his fitness tests.
The versatile Ryan Matterson covered the halves as the Tigers failed to put any consolation points on the board, but Maguire has a ready-made replacement in Reynolds.
The ex-Bulldog, who has played just five games since signing a reported four-year, $3 million deal, has plied his trade in the NSW Cup, carving up on debut last week with two tries and a try assist.
The form of both Marshall and gun hooker Robbie Farah meant Maguire could not give a clear date on Reynolds' NRL return, but the Tigers coach has been backed in a corner and will have no other option.
‘’That’s what makes good clubs. You have to have good players waiting and full credit to Josh – I know that if he gets his opportunity this week he will be ready to go,’’ Maguire said.
‘’He’s been performing well in reserve grade.’’
The loss to the Bulldogs was a major step backwards for the former ladder leaders after cruisy wins over Manly and New Zealand.
