Blues get their man as Benji signs
RUGBY
THE formalities are complete; Benji Marshall is coming home.
Official confirmation is expected this morning that Marshall has committed to a lucrative twoyear deal with the Blues, understood to be worth close to $500,000 a season.
It is understood the former Kiwis captain decided not to play in this year’s Rugby League World Cup.
Marshall
wants
to
finish
the NRL season by completing the 200-game milestone for the Wests Tigers then switch his focus to his new code.
The New Zealand Rugby League was happy to provide insurance cover but Marshall has decided playing for the Kiwis could jeopardise his new career.
While his defection will be a blow to the Kiwis’ title defence, with Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran and Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson in superb touch, Stephen Kearney is well served in the halves.
Marshall, who played against the Parramatta Eels last night, is understood to be eyeing a move with wife Zoe by late September after fulfilling his duties in Sydney which will include a farewell lunch from the Tigers.
Blues coach John Kirwan’s preference is for his star recruit to have a clean break rather than jump-start his code switch in provincial rugby for Auckland.
Auckland coach Wayne Pivac will meet with Kirwan on Monday and has a spot open in his squad for Marshall after first five-eighth Gareth Anscombe was ruled out with shoulder surgery and fullback Charles Piutau is away with the All Blacks.
‘‘We have a spot there,’’ Pivac said.
‘‘If it’s announced that he’s coming to the Blues and they want him to be playing in the NPC we would be able to accommodate him.’’
Marshall is one of the properties in Australasia.
The fact his sporting home will be Eden Park for the next two years is not just good news for the
hottest Blues but for New Zealand indeed, the global game.
His presence will only enhance appeal.
Doubt his ability, maybe, but nobody can question his intentions.
They are genuine, highlighted by the fact he’s taking a pay cut of around $265,000 to pursue his dream of being an All Black and, possibly, Olympic gold with the sevens team.
Marshall could have doubled his earnings in Japan or France or pocketed far more by remaining at
and, the Tigers. This is not about money. It is a fresh start; a new road.
The Whakatane-born playmaker is a proud Kiwi. For that reason alone he should, at least, be given a chance to prove his worth.
His transition will not be easy. There are challenges adapting to the 15-man code he has not played since aged 15.
Marshall is 28, not 35. Surely there’s some life in his legs yet.
Starting his transition at fullback makes sense. That could see Piutau move to the midfield to cover Rene Ranger’s absence.
If that plan works out Marshall is likely to, eventually, end up at 10.
‘‘There were a lot of doubters over Sonny Bill’s switch as there was Brad Thorn,’’ Pivac said.
‘‘Those guys worked really hard at their game and went all the way.
‘‘Benji can be encouraged by that. He’s a very skilful player.
‘‘It’s just a matter of how quickly he picks the game up. In some positions it takes longer than others.’’