Benji Marshall Left Puzzled by Referee’s Call on Hip-Drop Tackle as Controversial Lachlan Galvin Incident Resurfaces

Benji Marshall has embraced his inner Wayne Bennett by claiming he’s not familiar with what constitutes a hip-drop tackle, following the incident involving Samuela Fainu, who was flagged in the Tigers’ defeat to the Eels.

During a press conference where chief executive Shane Richardson scoffed at questions regarding Lachlan Galvin, Marshall opted for a reserved stance on the Fainu situation.

Shortly after half-time, Eels second-rower Kelma Tuilagi nearly broke through the Tigers’ line with a strong run.

Fainu tackled Tuilagi from behind but didn’t seem to make contact with his leg.

Nevertheless, the young Tiger found himself on report.

“Who’s making the call that it was a hip-drop tackle?” questioned Greg Alexander on Fox League.

“Nothing was landed on his leg. That’s absurd,” added commentator Andrew Voss.

The match review committee decided not to impose any fines on Fainu.

After the match, Marshall echoed Bennett’s previous remarks about his uncertainty regarding the hip-drop rule.

“I’m not sure if that was a hip-drop. From my perspective, it looked like it wasn’t,” he stated.

“I align with Wayne’s views because I honestly can’t grasp what a hip-drop is anymore.

“To be frank, I’m lost. If I had clarity on it, I would have tackled the issue sooner. Nonetheless, we fought hard and managed to come back. We’re at round seven now with three wins and four losses, so we need to get back to business next week.”

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During the same press conference, Api Koroisau addressed questions regarding Lachlan Galvin and how the team is managing the associated distractions.

Richardson was notably heard scoffing at the question when it was posed.

“We’re united here. Our focus is on playing footy,” Koroisau replied, with Marshall sharing a subtle smile with his boss.

Regarding Galvin’s reintegration into the squad, Marshall stated that “they never excluded him”.

When reminded of Koroisau’s earlier comments that he hadn’t conversed with Galvin, Marshall remarked, “I saw him training well and mingling, so I don’t perceive any issues.” 

Prior to the match, the Tigers had received a legal notice from Galvin’s team, which included allegations of bullying directed at the 19-year-old five-eighth.