The hype may be high around Javon Andrews ahead of his NRL debut but for Wests Tigers Coach Benji Marshall, there’s no pressure at all on the promising youngster to deliver.
On Tuesday, Andrews was named at half-back for Saturday’s vital away clash against the Canberra Raiders in round 21 of the Telstra Premiership.
Marshall was tight lipped when asked about his plans for Andrews on Thursday, saying the 19-year-old had earned his opportunity.
Andrews has been in dominant form at five-eighth for the Western Suburbs Magpies in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, where he leads the competition with most try assists (23) and line-break assists (25).
It's been a remarkable comeback for Andrews following a freakish neck injury five years ago that almost ended his career.
“There’s no pressure on him to do anything,’’ Marshall said of Andrews.
“We want him, when he gets his opportunity, to just play. That’s the best thing.
“Expectation wise, we don’t have any…just do his job.”
Andrews will join the likes of other talented youngsters in second-rower Ethan Roberts and hooker Jared Haywood in a clear sign of the future for the Wests Tigers.
The clash with the Canberra Raiders will be another test of mental strength for the Wests Tigers following five straight losses.
Marshall himself understands the mentor role he has had to play in what has been a tough month with Wests Tigers scoring just 22 points in their past four games.
“I think the most important part is I’m constantly thinking about what does the team need from me every day and what version of me do they need?,’’ Marshall said.
“They need me at my best every day, that's really important.
“When you are a coach and the leader, you got to give them a clear plan, guidance, support, and make sure that everyone's in a good headspace.
“That's been tough after losing a few. We need to get back on the train this week and do what we do best which is to play footy.
“We need to try and start fast and get some positive impact into the game and get us upbeat about it.
“They are a good team Canberra, so we've got to go down there with a really good mindset.”
Stat Attack
- The Raiders have won 10 of their last 12 games against the Tigers.
- Wests Tigers have not won at GIO Stadium since 2018.
- The Raiders have scored 98 points in three consecutive wins.
- The Tigers have not defeated the Raiders twice in a season since 2011.
The Raiders have won only one of their last five games without Hudson Young.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
