Benji Marshall is set to make the switch to Rugby Union, compounding the torture on respective NRL fans who have witnessed some of the game’s best talent head overseas for more money.
2008 has been a year to forget in terms of the player exodus experienced by the NRL this season, with big names Mark Gasnier, Danny Buderus, Steve Menzies and Sonny Bill Williams all departing Australian shores for European fortune.
Now, Marshall is set to follow in their footsteps, with the Tigers half believed to be a week away from telling his team-mates he is ending his ties with Rugby League.
Just weeks after winning the world cup with New Zealand, Many fans were led to believe that Marshall was finally back to his best, the load on his shoulders finally lifted.
Tigers coach Tim Sheens was even looking forward to 2009, strongly indicating the Kiwi star was to make a permanent switch to halfback, despite enjoying most of his success at five-eighth.
Sheens’ vision for Marshall however may not even be realised, if recent reports conducted by the Sunday Telegraph are anything to go by.
They heavily presume that Marshall will play Rugby in England, thus ending a five year injury riddled, albeit successful, rugby league career which has seen him win a Grand Final and a world cup.
Although his possible defection will have a detrimental effect on the Tigers premiership aspirations for next season and beyond, the NRL in general will suffer greatly in his absence.
Marshall was present in a touch football competition at Port Macquarie on Saturday, playing for Sydney Touch footy club, Wests.
Wests coach Tony Trad viewed Marshall’s presence in the tournament as the key for the many fans that watched the low key NSW state cup take place.
Among the 5,000 players who participated in the touch competition, Marshall stood out like a sore thumb and was arguably the main attraction for fans and media alike.
Marshall’s trademark sidestep, not to mention his speed and passing game, were all there to be witnessed by the fans who bothered to show up to the NSW state cup tournament.
Of course, those that watched Marshall ply his skills in touch football were entertained greatly by a player who has achieved everything at Australian Rugby League’s highest level.
Indeed displaying new found confidence and belief in his game, Marshall has what it takes to dominate the NRL next season.
But within a week, NRL supporters could once again be deprived of one of the game’s true drawcards if Marshall decides to make the switch to Union.
Indeed his loss would be a travesty for fans of Australian rugby league, which already counts without the loyalty of Menzies, the heart of Buderus, the swerve of Gasnier and the powerful shoulders of Sonny Bill Williams.
Looks like the sidestep, which has had kids in a frenzy for years, will also bid farewell.
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