Benji Marshall says he is feeling quicker than ever having shed four kilograms to be at his lightest playing weight since 2008 while revealing his high-pressuremove mid-season to a struggling Dragons side was the toughest period of his career.
As the St George Illawarra half approaches his 30th birthday next month, Marshall has worked on his body in a bid to return to his electric best. Marshall is at 92 kilograms, a move designed to accommodate the team's new attacking structure, which will see Marshall float on either side of the field along with half Gareth Widdop.
"I didn't really care what I ate," Marshall said. "So I've reined that in. I've started to reap a few rewards. I can start to feel it. I'm a bit fitter and I probably need to be with the way we are playing.
"I felt comfortable at [96 kilograms], probably too comfortable whereas I challenged myself this pre-season. It wasn't to get as light as I can but to feel as strong and fit as I can. The weight part doesn't matter. It's about feeling sharp. Off the mark I'm feeling quicker more than ever. One or two kilos you don't realise how much difference it makes. I still feel strong. I love hot chips, I cut that out for a while. We've got a chef [at the club] who does breakfast and lunch. That made a big difference.
"I played all my career as a left sided player and then [last year] I played on the right. This year there will be roaming between Gareth and myself. There are a lot of changes in the way we move the ball. We have a bit of flair on the edges and we have a lot of guys who can do a lot of damage and want the ball one on one. Our forwards are starting to ball play and get quick play-the-balls. Attitude and enthusiasm has changed and has been a big driving factor this pre-season."
Marshall returned to the NRL following a short and unsuccessful stint in rugby union. He was parachuted into a St George Illawarra side desperate to keep their season afloat.
Steve Price was sacked just one game into Marshall's return.
"It was one of the hardest things I've done," Marshall said. "It motivated me because everyone was saying I wouldn't be able to do it. Just to prove myself that I could be better than how I finished up at the Tigers. It was a hard transition. Mary [coach Paul McGregor] is very honest and tells you everything you need to hear. This has helped me find the player I know I can be again. I didn't want the season to end. The longer it went on the better I felt I was getting. This year I feel like I can go to another level."
Part of Marshall's evolution has been off the field where he has grown to become an important part of the Dragons leadership group. Marshall has led the squad's social gatherings and will get his first chance to lead St George Illawarra after being named captain of the club's Auckland Nines team. "Now I really feel part of the team and I can direct the team around," Marshall said. "I've grown up having everyone around and as a team I think that's the sort of stuff that builds cultures. Instead of having two or three blokes go for coffee, it's everyone going. Because we have half [the squad living] in Sydney and half in Wollongong, everyone makes the point to come which is pretty awesome.
"When you're new it's hard to come in and implement things that you're used to. I just came in and took part in everything. I started to feel more comfortable as the year went on and now, obviously, I feel like I'm a big part of the team and feel comfortable to put in my opinion where needed. They have a great culture here but [I am building] more of a culture where everyone does everything together."
