Benji Marshall is a superstar. There’s no doubting that – TV star, sponsorship magnet and superb ambassador all sit deservedly on his resume.
But the most important question was answered by the Wests Tigers’ reluctance to honour what Marshall believed he was entitled to.
The New Zealand international has said the former CEO of the joint venture, Stephen Humphreys, had promised him an upgraded contract that would also be extended until the end of 2017.
It was an old-school arrangement. The word of one man was accepted by another. It was a situation completely at odds with the modern sporting environment.
When Humphreys departed the club that deal went with him.
The Tigers offered Marshall an upgrade on his existing contract, which was set to expire at the end of the 2015 campaign, but no extension.
Marshall, after a brief holiday in Bali, gave the club his answer through his manager just before 7 o’clock last night.
Not only did Marshall not want the upgrade anymore, but he wanted out at the end of this season.
Successful clubs rarely try to ruffle the feathers of franchise players. For a struggling club to do so is, quite simply, unheard of.
It looks like a messy divorce for a marriage that has lasted more than a decade.
Marshall knows his performances this season haven’t been up to the standard required of a first grade playmaker. Had his form been good then this situation wouldn’t even have been close to eventuating.
Marshall’s supporters will quickly tell you it’s hard for a playmaker to shine in a squad riddled with injuries and producing sub-par results as a consequence.
That is only true to a point.
You can’t for a minute suggest that Marshall is wholly responsible for the Tigers’ woes this season. But it’s also fair to say that the 28-year-old isn’t your traditional first grade playmaker.
Instinct is his biggest asset, but far too often, structure has been missing.
Acts fuelled by the former are instantly added to the highlight reel. The latter, while not flashy, wins football matches.
Marshall is capable of combining the two and the result is devastating, but that player only pops his head up in patches.
New Tigers coach Mick Potter raised an interesting point prior to the start of the season.
He said Benji had more skills than the average player, but his teammates weren’t on the same wavelength all of the time.
Potter wanted Marshall to pull back and get his team to work from a more mundane base.
His departure, while a huge shock, should be just a speed bump if managed properly.
The club has two hugely talent playmakers in Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses waiting for a shot at first grade.
Brooks is ready now. He understands structure and reads the game brilliantly.
Comparisons with Andrew Johns might seem like hyperbole, but watching the young halfback is like being transported back in time.
The future is bright for the club.
Brooks, Moses, Curtis Sironen and James Tedesco should form the base of a solid first grade squad heading into the future.
Keeping their forwards on the paddock and away from the rehabilitation unit, like any club, will also play a large role.
That is, of course, dependent on the Tigers keeping those stars signed and sealed.
Their recent track record at keeping talent under lock and key will leave more than a few supporters nervous.
Renegade
Guest
Silvertail, I worked it out the first time you used the name and to be fair most other people probably did as well LOL....the question is - what was the logic behind the name change???
Meesta Cool
Guest
The Mojo is on it's way, come finals time Manly will once again shine (If they can avoid injury problems). Keep theFaith mate!.
evlis
Guest
When Benji was in crazy attack mode, nobody on the field, not even Benji knew in which direction he was going to hop skip jump and dash. It's s sad day for the Tigers. Their 2005 side was full of cheek and freak -entertainers who won because everything they dared to do came off.I hope he goed to the UK don't want to see him in t different NRL jumper.
evlis
Guest
When Benji was in crazy attack mode, nobody on the field, not even Benji knew in which direction he was going to hop skip jump and dash. It's s sad day for the Tigers. Their 2005 side was full of cheek and freak -entertainers who won because everything they dared to do came off.I hope he goed to the UK don't want to see him in t different NRL jumper.
Davey
Guest
Benji mention he wont play for another NRL club over five years ago mate on 1ZB radio..
evlis
Guest
When Benji was in crazy attack mode, nobody on the field, not even Benji knew in which directional he was going to hop skip jump and dash. It's s sad day for the Tigers. Their 2005 was full of cheek and freak -entertainers who won because everything they dared to do came off.I hope he goed to the UK don't want to see him in t different NRL jumper.
Davey
Guest
Willie Mason couldn't find a spot in the Toulon team in French top 14 but hey he can always walk back to the NRL.
peeeko
Roar Guru
thats pretty rough mate about the maccas incident, were you there as a witness?
peeeko
Roar Guru
FFMM has been in the NRl for at least 12 years and RTS came to league straight out of school so you cant call him a reserve grader
liatrevlis
Guest
Ok can ya stop telln everyone about my cover, gee wiz only took a month to work it out, as for the Mighty Manly Sea Eagles I hope ya right, problem is we havnt beatn anyone above us this year, yes we're better with Stewart but hiku filled in well didn't he?? I just think we havnt found our mojo this year ,,,
Jake
Guest
He's one of a rare group of players that are eligible for Aus, NZ & SA. He was born in Aus, but spent a large chunk of his early years (6 or 7 I believe) living in NZ. Both of his parents are Kiwis too. When I met him as a 13 year old at school, he barracked for the Kiwis.
Johnny Ball
Guest
Can somebody pen a song called, Doing the SBW Whats the bet Benji plays union for a year and returns to league; maybe at the Roosters or who ever Next thing Farah will be gone sheesh!
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I reckon he should start off at Fullback.
Pete
Guest
What position would he play in union though (apart from in Japan) His passing isn't good enough for halfback. His kicking isn't good enough for first five. He is too small for 2nd 5 and can't tackle. He is too slow for fullback.
Pete
Guest
What position would he play in union though (apart from in Japan) His passing isn't good enough for halfback. His kicking isn't good enough for first five. He is too small for 2nd 5 and can't tackle. He is too slow for fullback.
oli
Guest
It's a bit too much for a Tigers supporter I find... within one year only they give Sheensy the boot and let all these players go down to the shire, and now Benji's gone! However, I'll be at Leichardt on Friday and cheer the boys on ... and hey Benji, should you sign with the Waratahs I'll come over and watch a few games.
Football_illiterate
Guest
this is also what i want to know..
Meesta Cool
Guest
If I had spent so much time away from work and performed poorly for a top wage for last two years, I wouldn't be getting a job anywhere, just joining a Centrelink queue. Could anyone honestly give him a reference without bending the truth about what he is doing NOW!... not me.. In the old Pommie saying, "The King is dead, Long Live the King.
Meesta Cool
Guest
+1. #1 Oikee fan.. keep em coming mate, nothing like extremist views to create party games for the disciples... lol
Meesta Cool
Guest
In theory, Tiger's will miss Benji a lot, In reality there are several young players in their ranks thgat may be less injury prone, will cost less for the next few years, will play a more team focused game and will bring new life to the struggling Tigers!, Robbie and Benji have dictated to this club long enough and I agree with Marldon, THEY are partly the problem in Tigerland.!.