BENJI MARSHALL HAS stepped into the revolving rugby league/union door for the first time and alerted a host of top Super Rugby and French Top 14 sides in the process.
The 28-year-old from New Zealand has told the West Tigers, his NRL club in Australia, that he wants an early release from his contract.
Teammate Robbie Farrah, who will captain the NSW Blues in the upcoming State of Origin clash Down Under, was disappointed to hear of Marshall’s intentions. He said, “It’s not the best scenario. I always thought Benji would be there, playing out his career with me. Unfortunately, that’s not to be… He’s made his decision and I support him in it.”
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Marshall, who is an effective goalkicker, made his debut for the West Tigers in 2003 and got his international call-up for New Zealand in 2005. He captained his country to World Cup success in 2008.
Former Leinster coach Michael Cheika is now coaching at the Waratahs, said to be Marshall’s preferred option. Cheika has already declared his interest in signing Kurtley Beale, unwanted by Melbourne Rebels, and linking him up with another league convert — the winger that stunned the British and Irish Lions — Israel Folau.
‘Tah’s chief executive Jason Allen said, “We’ve been chatting with his manager now for a couple of years and we are definitely interested in bringing Benji Marshall to the Waratahs.”
I’ve spoken to his manager and we’re part of what he is thinking moving forward. We’re in the mix I’m sure. He’ll be assessing what’s on the table and I’m sure the Blues aren’t the only people talking to him.”
The other avenues open to Marshall are the Top League in Japan and the French Top 14, which is not restricted to the salary caps that often impinge on the recruitment plans of Pro12, Premiership and Super Rugby sides.
Marshall could play in the centre or at flyhalf for any side he signs for. Hopes of playing for the All Blacks in 2015 may be stretching it at present but Dan Carter will be 33 by the time the tournament comes around and Beauden Barrett is just 22 and a year into his fledgling international career. The other AB option at 10 is the diminutive Aaron Cruden.
Diminutive Aaron Cruden? That is a bit harsh the man has been on fire in Super Rugby this year and also controlled the back line brilliantly in 2 tests against France recently.
I was thinking that too, big club in the hunt for a play maker and with big Kiwi links with Penny and Dougie.
Not a snowball’s chance in hell of it happening, don’t think he’d fancy a cold night down in Musgrave with the wind blowing up from the Sunday’s Well end and the rain coming at him almost horizontally! Of course playing anywhere but New Zealand would rule him out of playing for the All-Blacks.
Ahh man dis guy is class act,his pace side step skill & rugby brain unreal,i lived in Australia in 05 the yr his club tigers won NRL & he was savage all season!! Love see him play union for all blacks,but big loss for league also
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Diminutive Aaron Cruden? That is a bit harsh the man has been on fire in Super Rugby this year and also controlled the back line brilliantly in 2 tests against France recently.
I meant diminutive in the ‘spry’ sense. I think Cruden is a decent player. Tore us to shreds in Hamilton last summer.
He can pass, he can kick and break the line. At his best he makes defences second guess him and freeze. Munster anyone?
I was thinking that too, big club in the hunt for a play maker and with big Kiwi links with Penny and Dougie.
Not a snowball’s chance in hell of it happening, don’t think he’d fancy a cold night down in Musgrave with the wind blowing up from the Sunday’s Well end and the rain coming at him almost horizontally! Of course playing anywhere but New Zealand would rule him out of playing for the All-Blacks.
Why on earth would he go to Munster?
Far bigger sides to choose from instead of the 3rd team from Ireland
Ahh man dis guy is class act,his pace side step skill & rugby brain unreal,i lived in Australia in 05 the yr his club tigers won NRL & he was savage all season!! Love see him play union for all blacks,but big loss for league also
Smell of benji off him…