Benji Marshall admits there’s plenty of nerves now that he’s left familiar surroundings to embark on a code switch in Super Rugby.
The former Kiwis skipper, who is returning to rugby union after more than a decade in the NRL with the Wests Tigers, is one of three newcomers in the Auckland-based Blues’ 32-man squad for 2014 announced on Wednesday.
“I’m pretty nervous to be honest,” said Marshall.
“I’ve been in an environment for 11 years where I’ve sort of known what’s going to happen week-in week-out, whereas now there’s a lot of unknowns, and I suppose that’s also the exciting part about it.
“I’m coming in as the new kid. I’m just hoping I can bring what I know from what I’ve learnt in rugby league, not only as a player, but as a person and a leader.”
Whakatane-born Marshall’s signing for the Blues has created a buzz among supporters, as was evident at the squad announcement breakfast in Auckland.
The audience sat quietly as each player made his way to the stage until it was Marshall’s turn, when a spontaneous round of applause broke out.
The 28-year-old said that was representative of the welcome he had received since his shift from Sydney.
Blues coach Sir John Kirwan had a positive report on his high profile recruit’s early progress.
“Everyone’s really excited about his involvement,” said Kirwan.
“He’s already been in the organisation and everyone is impressed with his professionalism and what he’s going to bring so it’s going to be great to see him grow into it.”
Marshall last played rugby in his teens, where he operated at halfback, five-eighth and fullback.
He said the biggest adjustment in his transition back would be getting used to the defensive line being closer.
He believed his previous experience would be a help, but also cited the example of Wallaby Israel Folau as someone who had made a successful switch from scratch.
“He had never played rugby before and he’s adapted pretty well in a short of amount of time and I think I’m a pretty good learner,” he said.
As for what position he would play for the Blues, Marshall said he would be happy where he was placed.
He said the plan was probably to use him initially at fullback to allow him to get a feel for the game without too much responsibility in being the organiser.
Down the track, a move to five-eighth was likely.
For now though, his focus was on putting himself in contention for selection.
“First and foremost, I have to make sure I’m in the right shape and doing the right things in training,” he said.
“I back myself that I can do that, but there are some great players in both those positions in this squad and they’re going to be fighting hard for those spots.”
winston
Roar Rookie
That guy is a beast.
chann wee
Guest
“” The Chiefs have named thirteen new faces in their squad for 2014′s Super Rugby season, with Mils Muliaina topping the list of new recruits. Dave Rennie’s group also includes seven players who will be involved in the competition for the first time, having earned selection from the ITM Cup. Rennie believes his squad will be an effective blend of experienced proven performers and new talent. The squad contains five current All Blacks, five Maori All Blacks and 26 players who have previously been involved in winning Super Rugby. “We are really happy. We have a solid core of players who have been a big part of our success over the past two years and added both youth and experience to the mix,” he told the Chiefs website. “It’s a very tough competition, so we’re rapt we’ve been able to assemble a group of men high on character and work ethic. The Chiefs will kick off their Super Rugby season against the Crusaders on Friday, February 21 in Christchurch and will play their first home game against the Highlanders in Hamilton on Saturday, March 1. Chiefs: Ben Afeaki, Bundee Aki, Gareth Anscombe, Sam Cane, Nick Crosswell, Aaron Cruden, Hikawera Elliot, Ross Filipo, Mike Fitzgerald, Robbie Fruean, Josh Hohneck, Andrew Horrell, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tanerau Latimer, James Lowe, Jamie Mackintosh, Pauliasi Manu, Rhys Marshall, Tom Marshall, Liam Messam, Mils Muliaina, Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Ngatai, Augustine Pulu, Brodie Retallick, Robbie Robinson, Mahonri Schwalger, Liam Squire, Matthew Symons, Ben Tameifuna, Kane Thompson, Asaeli Tikoirotuma. Wider Training Squad: Carl Axtens, Nick Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Tevita Kolomatangi, Brad Weber ========================================================================================================== The Crusaders have announced their squad for the 2014 Super Rugby season, with Colin Slade, Rey Lee-Lo and Nemani Nadolo all included in the group. The squad includes five new members and 27 players returning from the 2013 Crusaders squad. One of the five new faces in the squad is Slade, who played for the Crusaders in 2009 and 2010 mainly on the wing and at full-back, but shifted to the Highlanders in 2011 in order to gain more playing time at fly-half. “The experience and talent that Colin Slade adds to this group is immense,” head coach Todd Blackadder told the Crusaders website. “He’ll be a crucial member of the team, especially at first five while Dan Carter is on extended leave, but he has the advantage of being able to play virtually anywhere in the back line.” Also returning to his roots in joining the Crusaders squad is prop Tim Perry, who has represented New Zealand at Secondary School, U19 and Heartland levels. “Tim Perry has been particularly impressive for Tasman over the past couple of seasons,” added Blackadder. “He is a tough, brawny player and it is great to have him back at home with the Crusaders. Adding some firepower to the midfield is Lee-Lo, who made his debut Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes last year after being part of the Chiefs development squad in 2011. “Rey will really help to bolster our midfield stock,” said the coach. “He is a strong player, has a good rugby brain, and puts in the hard yards. I think he will fit in really well in the Crusaders environment.” Meanwhile, huge Fijian winger, Nadolo, will make an impact on their back line in 2014 and Blackadder said he is set to be one of the most exciting players in the Super Rugby competition. “At 1.95m and nearly 130kg, he is an absolute hulk of a man, yet he can fly down the field like you wouldn’t believe for a man that size. Comparisons have been drawn with Jonah Lomu, and we can’t wait to work with him and unleash him in this competition,” Blackadder said. Crusaders: Dominic Bird, Tyler Bleyendaal, Daniel Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Mitchell Drummond, Andy Ellis, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Zac Guildford, Willi Heinz, Nepo Laulala, Rey Lee-Lo, Richie McCaw, Johnny McNicholl, Joe Moody, Nemani Nadolo, Tim Perry, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Colin Slade, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Tom Taylor, Matt Todd, Jimmy Tupou, Adam Whitelock, George Whitelock, Luke Whitelock, Sam Whitelock. Wider training squad: Jed Brown, Kieron Fonotia, Mike Kainga, Rob Thompson, Nafi Tuitavake. ========================================================================================================== Eight new faces have been named in the Hurricanes squad for 2014, including four new additions to the team’s wider training group. The Hurricanes have 26 players returning from the 2013 season, with the addition of newcomers Mark Abbott, Marty Banks, Cardiff Vaega and Hadleigh Parkes. Prop John Schwalger also makes a return to Super Rugby after a successful ITM Cup campaign with the Ricoh Wellington Lions, while former wider training group member Ash Dixon steps into the 32-man squad. Manawatu’s Callum Gibbons will undergo his second year within the wider training group, and will be joined by team-mates Chris Eves and Nehe Milner-Skudder. Tasman halfback Billy Guyton has also been included in the wider squad, along with Wellington loose forward, Adam Hill. Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett is happy with what his squad offered across the board, and was thrilled with the way many of them had performed during the ITM Cup season. “Many of the players we have this year have shown a great deal of maturity throughout the ITM Cup,” he said. “I also think the youth we had in our team three years ago have now gained a lot of experience as both international and Super Rugby players, and I’m confident that group of players will step up this season.” Within their 2014 line-up, the Hurricanes have nine current All Blacks, four Maori All Blacks, and three Manu Samoa players. Those with international commitments will join the squad in January. The remainder of the squad will begin pre-season duties on November 28. The Hurricanes Squad for 2014 is: Forwards: Mark Abbott (Hawke’s Bay), James Broadhurst (Taranaki), Dane Coles (Wellington), Ash Dixon (Hawke’s Bay), Ben Franks (Hawke’s Bay), Reggie Goodes (Wellington), Jack Lam (Waikato), Faifili Levave (Wellington), Motu Matu’u (Wellington), Mark Reddish (Wellington), Ardie Savea (Wellington), John Schwalger (Wellington), Brad Shields (Wellington), Eric Sione (Wellington), Blade Thomson (Taranaki), Jeremy Thrush (Wellington), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Wellington), Victor Vito (Wellington). Backs: Beauden Barrett (Taranaki), Marty Banks (Tasman), Tim Bateman (Wellington), Cory Jane (Wellington), Alapati Leiua (Wellington), James Marshall (Taranaki), Hadleigh Parkes (Auckland), TJ Perenara (Wellington), Matt Proctor (Wellington), Julian Savea (Wellington), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Chris Smylie (Taranaki), Andre Taylor (Taranaki), Cardiff Vaega (Southland). Wider Training squad: Chris Eves (Manawatu), Callum Gibbins (Manawatu), Adam Hill (Wellington), Billy Guyton (Tasman), Nehe Milner-Skudder (Manawatu). ======================================================================================================= Blues flanker Luke Braid has been named captain of the Auckland-based franchise for the 2014 Super Rugby season. The decision was revealed at the Blues squad announcement at Eden Park on Wednesday, and while Braid was overseas with the Maori All Blacks, he said it was a huge honour to captain the side. “It means a lot to me being named captain of the Blues,” he revealed. “The Blues have a proud history so watching them as a kid, being able to play for them and now to be given the opportunity to captain the side is pretty awesome.” Braid’s aspirations are simple – to win the Super Rugby competition in 2014. “Everyone wants to win the competition,” he said. “I think if everyone buys in and gets everything right any team can win the Super Rugby competition so we definitely want to try and win it.” Blues boss Sir John Kirwan believes Braid, who briefly led the Blues in 2012 in the absence of Keven Mealamu, will make a success of the role. “We just think he’s the type of guy we need from an attitude point of view,” Kirwan said. “He’s not scared to drive high quality at training, he’s not scared of anyone so he’ll challenge people including the coaching staff and I think the consistency of his rugby is great for all of us. “I think he’s really going to grow into that role and I know he’s really looking forward to the challenge.” Kirwan said he was excited about a much more balanced squad in 2014 as he heads into his second campaign in charge along with fellow coaches Sir Graham Henry, Grant Doorey, Mick Byrne and Nick White. “After our first season we had a really long look at what we needed and that was a little bit more experience to complement the excitement of our young guys,” he added. “What we’ve tried to do is bring in some of that experience and keep the excitement so you’ll see the squad is a lot more balanced but we’ve also kept a lot of youth, especially in the Wider Training Group.” That experience comes in the form of World Cup winning All Blacks Jerome Kaino, Tony Woodcock and Ma’a Nonu who have all returned to the franchise following stints away. Only three players in the 32 man squad have yet to pull on the Blues jersey – promising Auckland lock Patrick Tuipulotu, experienced campaigner Tom Donnelly and star rugby league recruit Benji Marshall. “Tom is a great reader of the line-outs, he’s been around the traps a wee bit and he’s relishing a new challenge. He’ll really add to our locking intelligence which is what we need,” said Kirwan. “I think the whole country is excited about someone like Patrick Tuipulotu. He’s been in the New Zealand Under-20s, was a big contributor there and before getting injured during the ITM Cup we saw what he could do on that stage. He’s a new kid on the block but he’s also ready physically and hopefully mentally he’ll step straight up and put some pressure on the other guys. “And of course Benji Marshall – everyone’s really excited about his involvement. He’s already been in the organization and everyone is impressed with his professionalism and what he’s going to bring so it’s going to be great to see him grow into it.” Both Pita Ahki and Lolagi Visinia have graduated from the Wider Training Group to join the main squad in 2014, paving the way for an exciting new crop of players such as Tevita Li, Simon Hickey and Tom Murday to join the extended squad. Kirwan said after showing plenty of promise in his inaugural year at the helm, there would be mounting expectations for the Blues to deliver in 2014. “The expectation around the country and especially around the franchise area will grow,” he explained. People will be expecting a lot more; I’m expecting a lot more of myself, the coaching staff and the squad so that makes for a little bit more pressure but also a lot more excitement. “Last year we talked about a rollercoaster and I think this year we need to talk about consistency of performance while on the rollercoaster – we don’t want too many of the dips but we want to enjoy the highs and excitement of what a rollercoaster can offer.” Blues squad for 2014: Forwards: Tom McCartney (Auckland), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), James Parsons (North Harbour), Charlie Faumuina (Auckland), Sam Prattley (Auckland), Angus Ta’avao (Auckland), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Auckland), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour), Tom Donnelly (Otago), Liaki Moli (Auckland), Culum Retallick (Bay of Plenty), Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland), Kane Barrett (Taranaki), Luke Braid (Auckland), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Steven Luatua (Auckland), Brendon O’Connor (Canterbury), Peter Saili (Auckland). Backs: Jamison Gibson-Park (Taranaki), Bryn Hall (North Harbour), Piri Weepu (Auckland), Baden Kerr (Counties Manukau), Chris Noakes (Bay of Plenty), Pita Ahki (North Harbour), Ma’a Nonu (Wellington), Francis Saili (North Harbour), Jackson Willison (Waikato), Frank Halai (Counties Manukau), Benji Marshall (Auckland), George Moala (Auckland), Charles Piutau (Auckland), Lolagi Visinia (Auckland). Wider training group: Joe Edwards (Auckland), Simon Hickey (Auckland), Tevita Li (North Harbour), Tom Murday (Northland), Albert Nikoro (Auckland). ========================================================================================================== The Highlanders have revealed that All Blacks utility back Ben Smith and back-rower Nasi Manu will lead the team as co-captains. Highlanders boss Jamie Joseph said selecting Smith and Manu was reflective of the approach the team would be taking to the 2014 Super Rugby season. “As a coaching group, we’ve selected two players we know will lead from the front and who have the experience and respect of the whole squad,” he explained. “The role of captain in a Super Rugby team is vital to the success of the team, and sharing the workload between two complementary players was a big part of our decision.” Smith has played 72 games for the Highlanders since making his Super Rugby debut in 2009 against the Brumbies. Smith has played 18 Tests for the All Blacks and has recently been selected to travel with the team to the United Kingdom for the end of year tour. Manu has played 49 Super Rugby games after making his debut in 2008 for the Crusaders. Manu joined the Highlanders in 2010 and has played 33 games for the franchise. The co-captains were named when the Highlanders announced squad for the 2014 Super Rugby tournament. The squad of 37 is made up of 32 players on full contract and also five players in the Wider Training Group. 23 players are returning from the 2013 season. Kurt Baker returns to the Highlanders after a season with the Crusaders, and he is joined in the backs by Malakai Fekitoa (Auckland), Patrick Osborne (Canterbury), Bay of Plenty captain Willie Ripia, and Winston Stanley (Force). In the forwards Tasman captain Shane Christie joins the southern franchise, alongside Pumas International Matias Diaz, Kane Hames (Bay of Plenty) and Otago players Tom Franklin and Gareth Evans. The Wider Training Group includes two Otago players in Lee Allan and Craig Miller, and also Richard Buckman (Hawke’s Bay), Trent Renata (Waikato) and Ged Robinson (Hawke’s Bay). Joseph commented that the squad is well balanced and has depth across the board. “We’re very pleased with the quality of players in our squad of 37 for next season. We have a core group of players returning from 2013, which allows continuity, but to have 14 new faces brings new ideas and enthusiasm,” he said. The Highlanders begin their season with a home match at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday 22 February against the Blues. Forwards: Josh Bekhuis, Shane Christie, Liam Coltman, Matias Diaz, Elliot Dixon, Gareth Evans, Ma’afu Fia, Tom Franklin, Kane Hames, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, TJ Ioane, Chris King, Nasi Manu, Brayden Mitchell, Brad Thorn and Joe Wheeler. Backs: Kurt Baker, Phil Burleigh, Jason Emery, Malakai Fekitoa, Patrick Osborne, Hayden Parker, Buxton Popoalii, Willie Ripia, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Winston Stanley, Fumiaki Tanaka, Shaun Treeby, Frae Wilson. Wider Training Group: Lee Allan, Richard Buckman, Craig Millar, Trent Renata, Ged Robinson. ============================================================================
Tane Mahuta
Guest
I see him as being a success. Might not be at first but I think he will make it. Wouldnt surprise me to see him play a couple of games for NZ but it would shock me if he became a long term first choice All Black. Hes not a 15 as far as Im concerned but who knows.
allblackfan
Guest
I see Nemani Nadolo has been named in the Crusaders squad!
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Piutau plays a good game on the wing.
DubbleBubble
Guest
I don't know about flyhalf unless they hide him at fullback in defense - ala Cooper. He is a renowned turnstile.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
HB at Rugby is sooo much more than having a fairly good pass. especially when you get to a higher level. I would think that he might be OK at FB on the bench for now and maybe the occasional stint at FH from the bench. Frankly it is going to be very hard for him to get a start.
mace 22
Guest
1st five the only position for him at the moment piatau just to good. Give him a try at half back during pre season games, got a good pass on him. If he wants to have a chance of higher honours don't know in what position he can do that, but half back his best chance. Might make the olympics though.
maximillian
Guest
Fullback?! I don't see him usurping the brilliant Piutau for the position.
RAF
Guest
I reckon you'll go alright Benji. I'll give you six months to truly get used to the intricacies of Rugby then I reckon you can fly