Benji Marshall was 'the difference' in the Rabbitohs' spirited fightback, says Johnathan Thurston
Rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston has lauded the impact of Benji Marshall in his South Sydney debut, labelling the veteran playmaker "the difference" in the Rabbitohs' second-half resurgence.
The Storm led 22-0 when Jaydn Su'A was substituted for Marshall in the 31st minute, but the contest was about to change dramatically.
Marshall's fingerprints were on the Rabbitohs' first try, scored by Alex Johnston on the left edge in the 33rd minute, and again in the visitors' second four-pointer, registered by Johnston in the left corner in the 43rd minute.
And the former New Zealand Test captain also played a hand in Souths' third and final try of the night, which saw Latrell Mitchell cross on the left edge 55 minutes into the clash.
Benji Marshall releases a pass in the Rabbitohs' loss to the Storm. Getty
Thurston underlined Marshall's influence on the game during Nine's post-match coverage, after Storm's 26-18 victory at Melbourne Olympic Park.
"Benji Marshall was the difference," Thurston said.
"I said earlier he didn't take the ball into the line too deep. He gave enough time for the players on the outside there to be able to run those plays, so no doubt he'll be there next week."
Former Jillaroos star Allana Ferguson said Marshall's calming influence had also caught her eye.
"What JT just touched on with Benji Marshall - he had that little bit of composure," Ferguson said.
"They did set themselves a little bit deeper and weren't digging into the line so much, but it took them quite a while to adjust and they were putting themselves in those pressure situations.
"They know Melbourne Storm are going to be coming out of their line and firing and really aiming up in defence. But I thought it was brilliant the way Benji came on and really settled them down."
Johnathan Thurston looks on during Nine's coverage of the Storm's clash with the Rabbitohs. Getty
Marshall received a chance to extend his illustrious career when he landed a one-year deal with the Rabbitohs in January.
And the 2005 Wests Tigers premiership hero has since starred for the Maori in the All Stars game, helped the Rabbitohs to a barnstorming victory against the Dragons in the Charity Shield clash and shone for Souths in tonight's season-opener.
