RUGBY LEAGUE
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Benji Marshall has revealed a pre-game edict from coach Paul McGregor to back his instincts was behind his vintage display in the 46-24 victory over the Knights on Sunday.
After feeling the brunt of criticism in the Dragons seven-game losing streak, Marshall broke the shackles at Jubilee Oval, producing a contender for try of the year and laying on three others in a throwback to his days as the game's most electrifying talent.
He could just as easily have been credited with a fourth try assist after lobbing a pass into the arms of Newcastle centre Carlos Tuimavave which led to Jake Mamo's 23rd-minute try and a 16-12 lead for the Knights.
It was one of three first-half errors that would have forced most players into their shell, but that's never been Marshall's way.
"A couple of passes in the first half got intercepted, they were try-scoring opportunities for us," Marshall said.
"It's a low percentage play, an intercept, and [Tuimavave] went for two and got them both which doesn't happen very often.
"Sometimes you can get down on yourself for things like that but it didn't phase me at all.
"Even though it wasn't going my way I was still confident and still had that belief in myself. I knew if I stuck at it something would come off."
At 30, Marshall talks often these days about "game management" and a "tactical kicking games" but Sunday's performance showed he's still at his best when backing his instincts. It's something he's promised to do more of as the Dragons look to mount a charge at the finals.
"That's what's good about Mary, before the game he said, 'Just go out and enjoy yourself, play some footy and take the line on'," Marshall said.
"That's pretty much what I did. I went out there and backed myself. You can enjoy yourself and play footy and still be in control.
"When we were playing within ourselves I think we were scared to make a mistake or drop a ball but on the weekend just went out there and if the pass was on we passed it.
"In the past we were probably a bit scared to do that."
Marshall hardly expects his side to continue racking up 40-plus scores en route to the finals but hoped Sunday's performance marks the end of the Dragons' point-scoring woes that saw them manage just 74 points in their previous seven games.
"I think we proved to ourselves that when we do play on the front foot we can score points," he said.
"It was nothing fancy. We got up the field with our forwards playing straight and direct with support and getting quick play-the-balls.
"Off those quick play-the-balls we're a team who can attack.
"It's being mentioned [in the media] but scoring points is not an issue for us. If we can add more of that direct running to our game I think we'll be even better."