Benji to weigh up his options

BENJI Marshall will give himself a month to see how his ageing body is feeling before deciding whether to continue his brilliant career.

Marshall’s manager Mario Tartak confirmed he has spoken to the veteran playmaker about playing beyond 2018.

Tartak indicated Benji wanted to play on, but the pair have agreed to wait and see how he is coping with the rigours of a 15th NRL season.

It’s significant news for the Tigers given Marshall’s stellar form to start the season.

The veteran Kiwi has turned back the clock to guide the Tigers into fourth position after six rounds.

“I’ve spoken to Benji and he said he would definitely consider it if an offer was put forward to him,” Tartak said.

“But he also wants to know how his body is going as well to see if he is up for another season or not.

“He also has all of his media commitments and things like that, but he is running around like an 18-year-old at the mo- ment. He is just happy to be home, he is settled. All things going well, I know Benji would like to lace up the boots again.”

Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe says the club fully supports Marshall’s decision to wait before deciding whether to play again in 2019.

“We’ve all come to a decision that we will talk to Benji in time,” Pascoe said.

“He firstly has to make a decision that is in his best interests and then we’ll sit down with him later in the year.

“But he needs to understand where his body and mind is at first and foremost.”

Pascoe praised Marshall’s influence on the Tigers, especially his work with the club’s rising players.

“Benji has been absolute class, on and off the field,” he said. “When we met with him midway through last year, he said his first position would always be to contribute to onfield success and at training.

“He has worked really hard with a lot of the young players, like Luke Brooks, and he has been a class act in everything he has done.”