FORMER Wests Tigers playmaker — and now a contented Dragon — Benji Marshall said he would be preparing as usual, like he does for any game, for the Sunday clash against his former club at ANZ Stadium.
It will be the first time Marshall will play against the club which launched his NRL career in 2003.
Marshall said personal emotion would not play a part for him.
"I have played enough emotional games, big games, to know what it's going to be like," he said.
"As far as I am concerned, I had 12 years, the best years of my life, won a competition there, met some great friends and became friends with a lot of the fans.
"Whatever happens, happens.
"I know there is a lot of emotion in sport and people get a little bit filthy on players who leave clubs, but I am not the first person to leave the club and I won't be the last."
Marshall said he would not be treating this week different to any other in the lead-up to an NRL game.
"My focus is on playing well and for the team.
"They (Wests Tigers) are an up-and-coming team. It's not about me, it's about the team and getting the win as we need the two points."
Another man focusing on the two points is Paul McGregor, who has finally broken his silence on the coaching issue and has put up his hand for the top job at St George Illawarra Dragons coaching job.
Wayne Bennett's decision to knock back the Dragons contract for a second stint at the club and return to the Brisbane Broncos, has given the interim-appointed McGregor a clearer run to the try line and the "powers that be" now have the ball in their court.
McGregor, 46, said after Monday night's 21-12 loss to Manly, that he wanted the job.
The former Illawarra and St George Illawarra centre believes he is ready to embrace the challenge.
"I really enjoy coaching this group and I'd like to continue coaching this group," he said.
"The association needs to interview the best people for the job and if they see fit that I'm the best person for the job, then they'll interview me in time.
"At the moment, they're doing their rounds and obviously Wayne was part of that. He's made his mind up now he's going back home.
"All I can do is look after the group that I'm in control of right now and that's this footy team.
"If I continue to do that and the results fall our way, then they'll look at me as coach, I suppose."
He has the support of the Illawarra group of directors on the club's board.
And the Dragons' directors also are warming to the idea of McGregor being the man to take the club forward.
McGregor stepped in when Steve Price was sacked eight weeks ago; he was Price's assistant.
The Leader can report that McGregor has the endorsement of the playing group to be made full-time coach.
How will Benji Marshall handle the occasion playing against his old club the Tigers on Sunday?