Benji talking retirement after rebuff

Benji Marshall wants to keep playing rugby league but has admitted retirement is a serious option.

The former Kiwis captain has been unable to negotiate a new deal with the St George-illawarra Dragons and has been dropped for this weekend’s clash with Parramatta although he has been promised a farewell appearance against Newcastle in the final round the following weekend.

The 31-year-old has been an institution over the past 14 years as he has amassed 254 NRL appearances and 27 internationals, winning everything in the game. He admits being in limbo is difficult. ‘‘Right now, it’s all a bit weird. Nothing has been sorted and I’ve never been in this situation before,’’ he told NRL 360 on Fox Sports.

‘‘But currently I’ve got three options – the NRL, the English Super League or retirement.

‘‘And while it’s all up in the air, I certainly feel like I want to keep playing. Obviously I’ll have to work out what is best for my wife and family, but I certainly feel like I have more to give.

‘‘Because of injury, I’ve only played 15 weeks this year. And in that time there have been some good games, some bad games.

‘‘So I don’t want to finish it off like this. I’ve got one more game so we will see what happens.’’

Marshall didn’t back away from the possibility of his last game of top level rugby league being just over a week away and felt he was better prepared than most to deal with that if it eventuates.

‘‘Look, I can still be comfortable with that. Outside of rugby league, I’m fortunate to have a lot of different opportunities going on. While a lot of footballers don’t have a clue what they’ll do in retirement, I’ve got a lot to fall back on. ‘‘But in saying that, I would love to play on.’’ Marshall said he understood Dragons coach Paul Mcgregor wanting to play 21-year-old halfback Drew Hutchison ahead of him this weekend with an eye to the future.

‘‘I’m sweet with that. Totally understand,’’ Marshall told NRL 360.

‘‘I told him ‘look, if I was in your position I’d do exactly the same thing’.’’