An injury-plagued Benji Marshall feared his 2005 National Rugby League (NRL) was on the scrap heap before it began when he dislocated a shoulder during a trial earlier this month.
The Wests Tigers' Whakatane-born playmaker, who was returning from a left-shoulder reconstruction after missing half of last season, admitted he
"freaked out" when he was hurt trying to make a tackle against an Italian selection.
"I thought, 'That's it, I've done the shoulder again'," said Marshall, who soon realised it was the right joint that hurt.
Fortunately, the shoulder popped back into place and scans ruled out the need for surgery.
He told the Sun-Herald newspaper his rehabilitation was going well and he hoped to be back for the Tigers' round three clash with the Bulldogs.
"It wasn't as bad as it was made out to be. I could try for round one but we've got a bye in round two to give me extra time before the Bulldogs," he said.
- NZPA
