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I can help Milford's running game: Benji

NRL Brisbane recruit Benji Marshall says he has overcome concerns for his hamstrings and now wants to help Anthony Milford's running game.

3 min read

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Source: AAP


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He hit the ground running at Brisbane pre-season training after overcoming his own hamstring concerns.

Now veteran playmaker Benji Marshall insists he can help improve Brisbane pivot Anthony Milford's running game.

Marshall, 31, on Monday impressed by winning the 1.5km time trial at his first official Broncos session since signing a one-year deal.

He showed no sign of the hamstring dramas that sabotaged his 2016 season with the Dragons and almost left him on the NRL scrapheap.

Thrown a lifeline by Broncos coach Wayne Bennett for 2017, Marshall admitted he was worried how his legs would hold up in Brisbane.

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He played six weeks of touch footy, helping Western Suburbs win the Sydney Men's Premier League title last month.

"I was a little bit worried about (hamstrings) to be honest but playing touch football at the highest level really tested that out and I got through unscathed," Marshall said.

"That's all I did to be honest (after the 2016 NRL season).

"After the year obviously I wanted to give my mind a break mentally and also physically."

Marshall also worked with Wests Tigers physio and old mate Peter Moussa before driving to Brisbane last Friday.

Now confident in his own legs, Marshall said he would help Milford focus on his.

Milford this year showed glimpses of the form that helped Brisbane make the 2015 NRL grand final.

"This is my 15th season. I think I can help with experience and calming nerves," Marshall said.

"I don't think he (Milford) is too dissimilar to the way I played.

"I think if I can give some advice it is what I have lost in the last couple of years - don't be caught being the ball player.

"Play to your strength and I think that is his running game."

Marshall befriended Milford at the playmaker's former club Canberra while visiting ex-Wests Tigers teammate Bronson Harrison a couple of years ago.

"I have known Milf for a long time. I just admire the way he plays," Marshall said.

"I thought last year (2016 season) was one of his best years - the first half of the competition."

Marshall renewed his friendship with Milford at Broncos training on Monday where he was joined by fellow Brisbane newcomers David Mead, Mitchell Dodds and Tautau Moga.


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