Benji Marshall refuses to answer question as press conference ends abruptly

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Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall said his team had improved in key areas and should've won against the Knights on Friday night.

But a tame post-match press conference, which included plenty of praise for his team, ended on an awkward note when Marshall was asked if he could explain what lost the match for his team.

"Benji, you said there were a couple of key moments that lost it for you. Can you elaborate on which points they were?" the reporter asked.

"No," Marshall said calmly, shaking his head.

The Tigers great then waited a few seconds before thanking the media and leaving.

It was clear Marshall was visibly frustrated by the line of questioning at the end after spending the better part of the media gathering pointing to the positives despite the defeat.

Earlier, Marshall said his team was the better side for most of the contest.

"There was two things, we were obviously disappointed with the result," Marshall said.

Benji Marshall's press conference ended abruptly. Nine

"I'm proud of some of the things we can take away from that game.

"I thought we controlled the game for most parts of it and we let ourselves down with a few things.

"But all in all, all the things we want to be better at there were definite improvements, so we'll take the positives away, it's Round 1, we would have loved to win today but we'll go back to work hard for next week."

He added: "I thought the energy with our defence was fairly good.

"We defended our try line there probably six or seven sets in a row where we made errors.

"That was a pleasing sign, I thought they fought really hard on our try line defence and then just moments in the second half we probably would like to have back again, but in saying that we can't change the result now, but we can work hard again for next week."

Benji Marshall refuses to answer question as press conference ends abruptly

Jarome Luai of the Wests Tigers . Getty

Tigers skipper Jarome Luai was reminded of his debut match as a young Panther in the loss.

The 28-year-old had all eyes on him in Campbelltown as he engineered a new sense of hope and determination within his team.

Luai came bursting out onto the field from the sheds as the adrenaline of his long awaited first match came to life.

Asked about his reaction and leadership seen on camera ahead of kick-off, Luai admitted that he was overwhelmed by "a raw emotion."

"I sort of (am) comparing it to when I actually debuted in the NRL," he said.

"I was a bit anxious leading up to that point, (there was) a lot of chatter [about his debut].

"(The match) sort of felt like that… it was definitely good to get the first hit out with the boys.

"It's been a big pre-season and that emotion just all came out getting the opportunity to lead the boys out.

"That is the first game done now. Now, I can just zone in on how we get better as a team moving forward."

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Benji Marshall refuses to answer question as press conference ends abruptly

Terrell May of the Wests Tigers is tackled. Getty

Luai recognised the efforts of former Roosters star Terrell May, who made 175 run metres, two tackle breaks and 19 hit ups.

The four-time premiership winner conceded that he was not surprised by May's success on the field as he had experienced his excitement to take the field first hand.

"He was awesome tonight," said Luai.

"I drove in to the game with him and he was really keen to play. He was just chewing my ear off.

"The way he played really shows what he's about this year and we're going to need that from him."

Marshall jumped to the defence of the "misunderstood" 25-year-old, who had prior to signing with the club reportedly lost his love for the game.

"I think Terrell is a bit of a misunderstood guy," Marshall said.

"When you get to know him he is so smart, (especially) when it comes to footy.

"I think all the talk about him not actually loving footy was pretty false because he actually loves it.

"The only thing he said was he puts his family before footy, which you can't begrudge him for.

"Today, he stood up and showed he's not mucking around coming here. He wants to lead the way and be our leader int he forward pack."

"That's why we signed him."

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