Marshall move back to original club encouraged by Brisbane coach
Champions start as they ended
Wayne Bennett has revealed he encouraged Benji Marshall to return home to Wests Tigers next year, saying the Kiwi international had earned a dream finish to his career.
Marshall, 32, and the Tigers confirmed yesterday that the club legend will be returning to Leichhardt in 2018.
A fairytale ending at the joint venture had appeared unlikely for Marshall barely 12 months ago when the former New Zealand skipper was forced to snap up an NRL lifeline from Brisbane after being left without a club following 14 seasons in the top grade.
But Marshall revelled in his second chance, playing nine games to date this year but having an even bigger impact as a mentor for Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt and Kodi Nikorima.
Barely a year after attracting little interest, Marshall was suddenly receiving offers from rival clubs for 2018 — including his beloved Tigers where he sparked his career in 2003.
“I encouraged him to go. I was keen for him to go. It was a good offer for him,” Bennett said. “It’s his origin club. He’s got a lot of history there and he was a great player for them.
“It’s a great way for him to finish his career. Last year, nobody wanted him. Twelve months on, at least he has got offers now.”
Marshall played 201 games for the Tigers during 2003- 13 including their famous 2005 premiership win. The 2010 Golden Boot winner is expected to adopt a similar mentoring role at the Tigers with Luke Brooks and Bulldogs recruit Josh Reynolds.
Brisbane winger Corey Oates claimed Marshall’s 2017 stint at the Broncos had been the “greatest thing that has happened” to Hunt, Milford and Nikorima.
“You could not have asked for a greater role model for our young halves,” Oates said. “For him to share his knowledge is probably the greatest thing that has happened to them.” New Zealand will play the opening match of the Under- 19 Cricket World Cup in Tauranga next January. New Zealand are hosting the 16- team Cup and will face defending champions the West Indies at Bay Oval. They are in group A with Kenya and South Africa and the Windies. Bay Oval will also host the final on February 3.