Wests Tigers have suffered a massive setback on the eve of their much-anticipated NRL clash with the Bulldogs with superstar halfback Benji Marshall struck down with illness.

Tigers officials said Marshall was an unlikely starter in Sunday's ANZ Stadium encounter after it was revealed the champion playmaker had not trained with the team all week due to a bout of the flu.

Marshall was unable to take part in his side's final training run on Saturday morning with a final decision on his availability to be made on game day.

"Tim Sheens will give Benji up to an hour before kick-off to see whether he can play," football operations manager Alan Mair said.

No decision has been made on a replacement though five-eighth John Morris is likely to slide over to fill in at first receiver.

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