Benji calls time on glittering career
NEW Zealand rugby league legend Benji Marshall – holding his son Fox and fighting back tears – has announced his retirement.
Marshall’s future had been one of the big talking points heading into last Sunday’s NRL grand final in Brisbane, where his South Sydney side suffered an agonising 14-12 defeat to Penrith.
Last week, the 36-year-old indicated his body still felt up to another campaign.
But despite missing out on a fairytale farewell and interest from other clubs, Marshall confirmed his retirement when he appeared alongside outgoing Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett and chief executive Blake Solly.
Marshall shot to fame with the Wests Tigers when he debuted in 2003, with his flick pass for Pat Richards in the 2005 decider one of the most famous grand final moments.
He staved off retirement twice, linking with Bennett at Brisbane in 2017 after being released by St George Illawarra, and again with the master coach at Souths this year.
But after playing as a No 14 for the majority of 2021, he will finish his career on 346 games – the most by any New Zealander to play in the NRL.
Marshall also enjoyed a glittering career with the Kiwis, playing 31 tests, including the stunning 2008 World Cup final triumph over Australia.
Marshall won the Golden Boot award for the best international player in 2010 and went on to captain his country before falling out favour with then-Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney.
But after a seven-year absence, he made an emotional return to the black and white jersey in the win over Tonga in 2019.
Kiwis coach Michael Maguire reinstated Marshall as skipper for the tests against Australia and Great Britain at the end of 2019, and he leaves the game with the New Zealand record for most appearances as captain.