MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall should get even bolder with Jarome Luai

Benji Marshall made the biggest call of his coaching career when he told marquee playmaker Jarome Luai he was free to find another club next year.

It was a big, brave, bold decision that Benji said was for the good of the club moving forward.

As he put it, Luai is off to the PNG Chiefs in 2028 and the Tigers need to start thinking of their long-term future now.

After watching the Tigers implode against Canterbury on Saturday night, I was left wondering whether the rookie coach could take the next step and make an even bigger call on his best player.

Will he go all the way and start that future right here and now by reducing Luai’s game time and blooding some of these young players he insists will form the back of the club for years to come?

As the coach said: “Moving forward, we’re prioritising guys that are probably going to be here for the next 10 years, not for the next 12 months.

“So this decision was made in the best interest of the club. If anyone’s having a go at us for that, well, unlucky.”

I’m not saying dump Luai to NSW Cup.

That would be disrespectful and just cutting off your nose to spite your face.

But once the Tigers are no longer a mathematical chance of making the finals — and that only looks a couple of weeks off — let’s have a look at some of these young blokes we keep hearing about.

I’m talking the likes of gun rookies Latu Fainu and Javon Andrews.

If that means Luai spends time on the bench — either from kick off or late in games — then so be it.

By signing with the Chiefs, he’s clearly signalled where his future lies.

I wrote last week that his head is understandably elsewhere and the big pay day awaiting him at the Chiefs is his priority, even allowing for a one-year stopover at the Eels.

I remember playing a few games off the bench for Penrith late in my first season of top grade rugby league.

It gave me a real good taste of what to expect and the level I needed to be at.

I really ripped in at pre-season training because I knew I was still a little bit short in a few areas.

I wouldn’t have known that had I not been thrown into the deep end.

And guess what?

There’s a certain B. Marshall who underwent the same initiation.

As an 18-year-old, he was blooded by Tim Sheens for the last five games of the 2003 season.

Two years later he was a grand final winner and New Zealand international.

These kids at the Tigers can learn from that same experience if Marshall has the guts to pull the trigger.

It’s going to be much more beneficial to the Tigers’ long-term prospect if his young playmakers are given the keys for the last three or four games.

Benji, don’t wait for the future to come to you – go to the future now.

AND DON’T GET ME STARTED

It’s time for Manly players to find the room of mirrors and have a good, hard look at themselves.

The past month or so has been one disappointment after another.

It’s been four losses from the last five games, including three in a row.

The Fozball era sure was fun while it lasted but it’s back to reality, boys.

The NRL is a bloody tough comp where you’ve got to earn every metre and own every tackle.

The Sea Eagles don’t appear willing to roll the sleeves up and get down and dirty.

I’d fancy a hit-up against this Manly side at the moment.

They went MIA in defence against the Gold Coast on Sunday, conceded a whopping 38 points against a mob running second from last.

That would kill a tough hombre like Kieran Foran, who prided himself on defence and put his body on the line in every one of his 318 NRL games.

Luckily, there is a key date on the Manly rugby league calendar coming up at just the right time.

Next Sunday at Brookie Oval, the Golden Eagles reunion is on for all those who have worn the maroon and white over the club’s 80 seasons.

It’s a great day full of laughs, beers and a ton of emotion.

I not only get to see old teammates but also catch up with some of the players I used to idolise growing up.

Back when I was playing, there was a huge emphasis on honouring those who went before you.

And the best way you could repay the debt was by ripping in out in the middle.

So, watch out Cronulla next Sunday.

I think you’re about to run into the Manly of old!