Marshall signs deal with Brisbane

A heart-to-heart with master coach Wayne Bennett has delivered Benji Marshall his wish of an NRL lifeline, with the veteran playmaker signing a one-year NRL deal with Brisbane.

Marshall’s manager Mario Tartak confirmed to AAP yesterday that he had inked the deal which will reunite him with Bennett.

Bennett’s relationship with Marshall - from coaching him in New Zealand’s 2008 World Cup win and the NRL All Stars played a big part in getting the deal over the line.

‘‘[Bennett] is someone that Benji looks up to,’’ Tartak said.

‘‘He placed a lot of calls to him during the year. They had a heart-to-heart. They talk a lot, just for advice. And he just said he wasn’t ready to retire.’’

Brisbane are well stocked for halves with Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford at Red Hill, leading some to question why they would sign Marshall.