Memories of Wests Tigers' unlikely 2005 NRL premiership triumph have come flooding back for Brisbane veteran Benji Marshall ahead of the Broncos' preliminary final against runaway favourites Melbourne.
And now the playmaker is daring to dream of another shock title.
Brisbane have been written off against the all-conquering Storm, much like Marshall's Tigers back in 2005's grand final qualifier against St George Illawarra.
The star-studded Dragons were unbackable favourites against the young Tigers yet Marshall sparked a 20-12 upset before going on to conquer North Queensland and claim the joint venture's maiden title.
Twelve yeas on, Marshall said the experience taught him anyone was beatable in finals footy - even the Storm in Melbourne.
Brisbane have a horror record against the Storm, winning just four of their last 23 games.
"I remember in 05 we played the Dragons who were raging favourites," Marshall said.
"We just played with a nothing-to-lose attitude and it probably helped us.
"You've just got to give everything."
While Marshall was keen for Brisbane to adopt the 2005 Tigers' mindset, he cautioned them not to copy their carefree style of footy.
He said Brisbane's best chance to upsetting Melbourne was throwing the ball around but warned against "touch footy".
"When we have played our best we have moved the football a bit," he said.
"But we have to be in the grind.
"If we start trying to play touch footy that's when we fall into a hole.
"We have to earn the right to move the ball around."
Still, Marshall wouldn't rule out a boilover on Friday night.
"I think we have some of the best game breakers - James Roberts, Anthony Milford, Kodi Nikorima.
"And our back-rowers (Matt Gillett, Alex Glenn) are two of the finest in the game.
"That gives us a chance.
"I know a lot of people are writing us off but you never know."
Share
