Wests Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys says there is no chance star five-eighth Benji Marshall will be released from his NRL contract so he can play rugby union in Japan.
Marshall’s manager, Martin Tauber, floated the idea of allowing Marshall to secure lucrative off-shore opportunities during the 2013-14 off-season following the announcement that Sonny Bill Williams had signed with the Sydney Roosters.
Williams, still contracted to Japanese rugby club Panasonic Wild Knights, will rejoin the NRL next season with the Roosters, four seasons after walking out on Canterbury in 2008.
Tauber unsuccessfully attempted to secure Marshall a stint in Japanese rugby in 2009 when then-NRL CEO David Gallop blocked a potential move, despite Marshall being off contract at the time.
Interim Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) CEO Shane Mattiske made it clear last week the code would not support players exploring opportunities in other sports while contracted to the NRL when he shut down Newcastle hooker Danny Buderus’ coaching role with Super Rugby team the Brumbies.
And with Marshall contracted until 2015 at the Tigers, any off-season activities would require a release from his current deal – a move Humphreys insists will not be happening.
“Let me put your minds at rest. This will not be happening,” Humphreys said in a statement.
“I have spoken with Benji’s manager, Martin Tauber, this morning who assures me that Benji is totally committed to his contract with Wests Tigers for the next three seasons.
“… Benji Marshall will remain an integral member of our team and will not be seeking a release from his contract.”
Last week, when responding to suggestions that the ARLC’s decision to block Buderus’ opportunity at the Brumbies was an overreaction, Mattiske said: “It is hard to envisage any circumstance where an agreement could be approved that allowed a current NRL player to promote another code competing in the same market as an NRL team.”
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