After struggling to prove his fitness all season with back and hamstring problems, Marshall showed glimpses of his attacking brilliance, as well as making a crucial intercept in the 14-10 win over North Queensland.

Player and club have returned to the negotiating table about a new contract beyond this season.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor said the only priority was to have Marshall fit and firing. “It’s good to see him back,” McGregor said. 

“Unfortunately for Benji and the team, he’s only been able to put two games together at any stretch this year.

“It’s important that he plays three or four games in a row to play his best.

“It’s very hard for a halfback to play two games in a row, you can’t get any momentum going.”

With Marshall’s ongoing back and hamstring issues, McGregor selected Josh McCrone on the bench, but was not handed any game time.

With a bye next weekend, the Dragons move to 6-6 at the halfway point of the season. McGregor admitted the 26-10 loss to a Warriors team undergoing huge upheaval had motivated them, to make sure they beat an under-strength Cowboys.

North Queensland were missing Johnathan Thurston, Michael Morgan, Matt Scott and James Tamou.

“We spoke about our disappointment when we went to Auckland,” he said.

“They had a few players out and we didn’t want it to happen again. Our first 15-20 minutes was the best footy we’ve played.”