NRL: Possible injury blow for Tigers

Wests Tigers prop Todd Payten. Photo / Getty Images

Wests Tigers are sweating on the results of scans on prop Todd Payten's right ankle after the ball-playing forward went down in the club's penultimate training session ahead of Saturday night's NRL preliminary final.

Payten was rushed to hospital for scans on Wednesday night in what could be a devastating blow ahead of their clash against minor premiers St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium.

While the Tigers have plenty of muscle up front with the likes of Keith Galloway and Bryce Gibbs, Payten offers coach Tim Sheens some variety with his deft passing game while he is also far and away the side';s most experienced forward with John Skandalis still sidelined with injury.

They are likely to learn the results of scan on Thursday, but Tigers officials claimed he was in "extreme doubt" to take part in the grand final qualifier.

Meanwhile centre Blake Ayshford has credited a mid-season reality check delivered by Sheens as the catalyst for his improved defensive displays in the run-in to the NRL finals.

"The coach pulled me aside halfway through the year after a couple of crucial misses and said there are people chasing me like Geoff Daniela and Mitch Brown who want my spot," Ayshford said.

"He said to pick my act up.

"After I played about 10 games I probably felt a little too comfortable but getting the kick up the butt helped me."

So too did the switch of Marshall to his side of the field.

"Benji's come over to my side in defence and attack and that's helped me in both areas," Ayshford said.

"He's the ultimate player. He talks non-stop and tells me what we're doing in defence, whether we're rushing or holding back."

While Ayshford appreciates Marshall's verbal encouragement on the field, the 22-year-old says he hopes a win will go some way to quietening him off it.

Marshall is amongst the eight remaining holdovers from the club's 2005 premiership triumph, with a win over the Dragons to leave the current batch one victory away from joining them.

"We weren't there (in 05) and they were so the young guys have no comeback when they start talking about it," Ayshford said.

"A couple of boys have been bringing their rings to the grand final lunches the last couple of years and letting us know about.

"I just want one of my own.

"Not many people can say they got this close. To win and get to the grand final would be awesome."

- NEWSTALK ZB