Son makes Benji better

WESTS Tigers veteran Benji Marshall says the arrival of his first child has made him a better player and man in the twilight of his career.

Marshall has focused on himself throughout his NRL tenure but he says this has changed following the birth of Benjamin Fox last March.

Marshall says this balance has helped him become a stronger leader while he is at peace with the fact his career is coming to an end.

“Being a dad has actually taught me a lot about being grateful,” said Marshall, who made his debut with the Tigers in 2003. “I’ve always wanted to be a parent but I didn’t understand how much it could really change me, shape me and make me a better person.”