Chris Heighington reckons that Benji Marshall stands in way of Gillette Nations Final
While talking to reporters on Friday, November 11, Chris Heighington, the English forward, admits that the key to their win in the Gillette Four Nations’ eliminator this Saturday against New Zealand would be to stop Benji Marshall.
Heighington is well aware of the abilities of Marshall along whose side the player has played almost his entire rugby league stint at Wests Tigers. The player also shared that if his side wishes to nullify Marshall’s efforts, they need to keep the ball confined
to their own quarters.
Expressing his views about the threat that Marshall poses, the 28-year-old said, "He's a star obviously and we'll be trying to minimise his impact in the game. He's pretty off the cuff and hard to read even at training, where he's got a lot of trick plays.
I don't think you can cut him fully out but, if you can slow their forwards up, it takes a bit out of his game. If we can do that, we've a chance of winning."
Heighington is one of the four National Rugby League (NRL)-based players in the England squad, all set to lock horns with Australia, after clinching Saturday’s win against Kiwis.
He confirmed Marshall's partner, Kieran Foran and full-back Kevin Locke, in the English side, will pose a threat to the opposition. Foran guided his side at Manly with Daly Cherry-Evans and Locke on board to be part of the Four Nations, whereas towards the
end of the year, he clashed against Warriors.
Hull's KC Stadium is expecting a huge turn out, which has been speculated to reach beyond 20,000 people. Amid a packed house, the clash will get even more exciting.
Heighington wants his side to face Australia at Elland Road if they can emulate the same efforts as Saturday's 36-20 whitewash by Roos at Wembley, in this weekend’s showdown.
The player further stressed upon the need to win the weekend game. If they win against Kiwis at this level, they will get another chance to test their skills against the series favourites, Australia. As the team has trained well during the last one week,
the player is hopeful of their dominance over the opposite side in Saturday’s eliminator.
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