Maguire reflective on Marshall form, footy and future

Wests Tigers Head Coach Michael Maguire spoke glowingly about Benji Marshall's performance after the veteran playmaker was again front and centre for his side on Friday night.

Despite a tough result at the end with the Roosters fighting back to claim the two points, Marshall was again heavily involved for Wests Tigers and one of his side's best — setting up both tries in the second half with a number of classy touches.

Playing in what was his 299th career game, Marshall showed once more his ability to not only contribute but control a game, and his actions certainly impressed Maguire in what he believed was a night filled with a number of positives.

"I've had a couple of weeks with Benji where I was overseas with him and I saw the passion for the Kiwis jersey, but there's a hell of a lot of passion there too for the Wests Tigers jersey," Maguire said.

"I'm really looking forward to being a part of the week [of his 300th game] because it's a special game, but one thing I know is what Benji's focus will be and that's about growing this team and the game itself.

"There will be a celebration around the game, but I know what Benji is after and that's for this team to get on the winning side on the day."

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Off contract at the end of the season, Marshall's future continues to remain a top of much discussion, with Maguire saying those conversations will continue to happen in the background as his side pushes for a return to the top eight.

“He’s the one that needs to put his body through it so we'll have those discussions over the next month," Maguire said.

"It's really dependent on how he feels.

“He’s playing really good footy so there’s no reason why he can’t [go around again] but it’s a matter of the mental side of being able to go through it again.

"That's something he needs to juggle himself, but he's certainly playing well enough to be able to do it again."

Marshall will bring up Game 300 in a huge game for Wests Tigers next Sunday afternoon when they take on the Parramatta Eels at Bankwest Stadium.