He has injured his right shoulder again. Subluxed when tackling Frank Puletua. 6 months rehab required.

Injury ends Benji's season
By David Riccio
June 25, 2006

WESTS Tigers star five-eighth Benji Marshall requires a shoulder reconstruction and will not play again this season.

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Marshall dislocated his already weakened right shoulder in the 73rd minute of last night's loss to the Panthers trying to tackle Penrith forward Frank Puletua.

The Tigers five-eighth reeled from the hit, signalling immediately to the Tigers bench.

Clutching at his shoulder, he was helped from the field and ushered into the dressing rooms. He was rushed from the ground by family straight after the match.

Club doctor Donald Kuah confirmed Marshall would play no further part for the Tigers this season.

"It's not great, he's obviously very shattered," Kuah said. "It (shoulder) went out and back in. He'll go in for surgery, so that's usually a six-month rehabilitation period."

It's the second time this season that Marshall has suffered damage to his right shoulder. He spent four weeks sidelined after dislocating it against the Cowboys in round five.

Kuah revealed Marshall was always at risk of further damage by playing on.

"We almost expected this might happen," he said. "It's not as much damage as last time because this was always that something that could happen."

However, Kuah dismissed any suggestions that Marshall's career was now in major jeopardy.

"He'll be like any other player with a shoulder reconstruction. He'll have the correct rehab and he'll be all right."

Marshall's absence allowed Penrith to record a four-point victory over the premier.

Trailing 20-14 when Marshall left the field, Penrith hit back through Luke Lewis to record its win.

Marshall's pain was in contrast to Blues aspirant Craig Gower. The champion halfback pressed his claims for the Origin decider by steering the Panthers to victory.

Gower played a hand in three of the Panthers' four tries, including the match-winning effort to Lewis.

The Panthers playmaker said he was ready for an Origin recall, choosing Braith Anasta as his preferred halves partner.

"Origin is always a step up," he said. "It's where you challenge yourself and I'm not going to shy away from a challenge.

"I'm never confident of getting chosen. There are some good halfbacks out there and you never know what the selectors are going to do.

"I've got a good rapport with Braith, so it would be good to play with him again.

"I'm not too sure who they've got in their plans, so we'll see what happens."