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.
MarkH
Guest
Good luck to him but he wont get the space he did in league. Benji was always going to do this. He injury prone so who picks him up better have insurance.
Billo
Guest
I don't think Benji will get a contract in England, because the work permit regulations won't allow it - and, based in London myself, I speak from experience. The rules are much more lenient for France, however, so that looks to be where Benji will go. I'm really not sure what qualities he will bring to rugby. He's a great league player, but his skills seem league specific to me. As we are seeing with Sonny Bill Williams, French rugby is a fairly unforgiving place.
Joe
Guest
As a lifetime Wests supporter I can't say I'm particularly happy. But if his shoulder goes one more time I suspect it will be the end of his career - so can't begrudge him the opportunity to make as much money as possible before his body packs in.
oikee
Guest
Good luck to him i say, hes acheived everything in league so let him try his trade in Union. Will be missed but we have so many talented youngsters coming through there really is no time to dwell on players leaving, besides, we have super league on free to air now so we still get to see Buderus, Menzies, Berrigan, King,Croker and others the next few years. Again good luck to Bengi, they want to pay him Millions then good, the NRL are doing a fine job for league players.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Fair play to Benji Marshall for playing the Touch Competition after a long year with the Tigers and then the Kiwis successful World Cup campaign. Most players would have brushed it and gone on holidays, that is an excellent quality. Well done Benji. In regards to his impending switch to Rugby, this is no real surprise as it has been mooted for a while now. If he is looking for a lighter work load he wont get it in European Rugby. In particular the French Club Rugby season can go for 9 months when Finals are factored in. The NRL have lost so many talented players to English Super League or Rugby Union that it is common place these days. If / when Benji switches the average fan response will be " let him go, there will be another Benji coming through " or " he hardly played anyway so no real loss ". These are the usual responses the NRL fan or Administration will peddle out. Benji is leaving the Tigers and Farrah & Tim Sheens will probably follow suit. For the Tigers to survive they need to be based in Campbelltown full time or move to the Central Coast and take the money.