Return to Wests delayed

Wests Tigers fans can mark down February 24 as the date Benji Marshall plays his first game for the club in 1631 days.

Marshall, the biggest-name player in the merged club’s

18-year-history, hasn’t played for the Tigers since leaving for the Blues at the end of the 2013 season.

His on-field return for the Tigers will come a day before his

33rd birthday in their final NRL trial against Cronulla in Campbelltown.

Coach Ivan Cleary is aiming to ensure his new-look Tigers spend plenty of time together in their two pre-season trials.

A strong squad will be taken to Cairns for their February 17 trial against North Queensland, but Marshall will remain in Sydney alongside wife Zoe ahead of the expected birth of their first child.

Cleary then plans to roll out the Tigers’ top 17 for the majority of their last trial against the Sharks, just two weeks out from the season-opener.

‘‘Benji won’t be playing in Cairns ... the plan at this stage [is for Campbelltown],’’ Cleary said.

‘‘We’re looking like the first game in Cairns against the Cowboys there are a few guys who won’t be playing in that game.

‘‘Anyone who can and it’s not really a risk in their preparation will play. I’m not about putting people in cotton wool but I’m not going to risk them either.’’

Marshall’s influence off the field has already been pronounced during the preseason as he has been able to lend a helping hand to the club’s younger brigade, including halfback Luke Brooks, given his experience.