Marshall takes on role of world's best in Kiwi triumph
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New Zealand's 16-12 victory over Australia in the final of the Four Nations in Brisbane marked the passing of the mantle as the world's most influential player from one great stand-off to another.
Darren Lockyer's 54th and perhaps last international for Australia was one of his quietest. The changing of the guard was completed by the New Zealand captain, Benji Marshall, who did what Lockyer has done so often, making all the key plays that swung the game.
The best and last was two minutes from time when he ran the ball on the final tackle of what could have been the Kiwis' last set, supported the right-wing break and threw the final pass with pure instinct to a player he could not see. Nathan Fien scored and, for the third time in major finals in the last five years, New Zealand had won when it mattered.
"I was getting messages from my coach that weren't very nice," Marshall said. "He was telling me to get my hands on the ball but there were a few other words thrown in there."
Stephen Kearney need not have worried. It was far from being a one-man show, but it is Marshall who has become the face of Kiwi rugby league. "We need to keep our standard that high," he said. "We've a long way to go to match the rugby union, but a win like that helps."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments