Benji Marshall’s manager is reportedly distancing himself from the playmaker’s previous comments that he would never play in the NRL against the Wests Tigers.
The former Kiwi Test skipper has failed to make an impression in limited opportunities for the Auckland-based Blues during eight Super Rugby games since his move from the Tigers at the end of last season.
The Blues and New Zealand Rugby confirmed late on Monday they had received a request from Marshall over the weekend to be released early from his contract.
Marshall has instructed his manager Martin Tauber to open talks with NRL clubs, despite saying when he left the Tigers that he would never play against the joint venture club which he memorably led to an unexpected premiership in 2005.
“That comment he made was probably made at the wrong time. It won’t exist,” Tauber told News Corp Australia on Tuesday.
Tauber also said that he has not yet opened talks with any other NRL club.
“There has been speculation about Cronulla, I have never spoken to (Sharks officials) Steve Noyce or Darren Mooney or any of them,” Tauber said.
“We have not spoken to anybody. This all only took place yesterday morning and we weren’t anticipating or planning anything.”
Cronulla, St George Illawarra, Parramatta, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Warriors are all being linked to him.
News Corp reports that Marshall himself has reached out to ex-Tigers players who are now playing at Cronulla, including Beau Ryan.
His departure from the Blues comes less than a year after Marshall pledged he would never play against the Tigers.
“I will honour my words about not playing for another (NRL) club,” he said in July last year, announcing his intention to leave the code.
“There is no other NRL club for me to play for. The Tigers are my home and will always be my home.
“I have seen guys like Mark O’Neill leave, go to England and then come back to the club.
“I am hoping to do the same in some capacity after I retire.”
Tigerdave
Guest
What a strange time to make a change. Kirwin must have spelt out some very stark home truths. How would a slow, overweight, self absorbed player that has [problems tackling, suit an NRL club. He left on big coin and will come back on very little. Benji had been fantastic for NRL and the Tigers and I wish him well. At present he would be lucky to get a start in the NSW cup. His expectations and what a club is prepared to pay will be poles apart.
Tigerdave
Guest
Well said Pete75. Not to mention the disruptive influence Ryan, Marshall and Co had on the club.
Pete75
Guest
If the Tigers couldn't win the comp with a bunch of old Tigers players, how the hell do Cronulla expect to win the comp with a bunch of even older Tigers players?
Tobias Zulaikha
Roar Rookie
Massive dollars on offer for him to join Salford in the ESL. This surely seems the best move for him now. He'd stand to make much more than he could in the NRL whilst keep his word re: never playing against the Tigers.
Gonads At Large
Guest
Would feel at home with Souths among all the other Tiger discards.
KB
Guest
He'll have to learn to tackle before he comes back...its half of the deal.
Clark
Guest
From what has been worked out, the only two that can afford to take Benji on (even for a discounted contract) is the Sharks and the Dragons.
Benedict Arnold
Guest
I'm still amused by the fact Benji trots around demanding what he wants eg. wanting a sydney based club. Sorry mate but you are at the stage now where you can only take what you can get, gone are the days of making demands. Anything more than 500k would be a pipe dream. His value is probably around the 350k mark imo.
Clark
Guest
Should go to the Bulldogs. They seem to always have some money free......
Blueberry
Guest
This whole thing reeks of short-sightedness. While signing the contract with the Blues he talks about never playing for another NRL club, showing how little thought he was putting into it. And since shifting he seems so impatient, like he was expecting to pick up the game instantly. Not everyone can adapt like Izzy. And he has apparently ruled out completely any thought of going to England, which means he didn't really consider any alternatives. If I was a Tigers fan, I'd be pissed off. If I was a Blues fan I'd be pissed off. If I was a fan of whatever NRL club signs him (assuming any do) I'd also be pissed given he'll play sub-par for a few games as he adjusts back, not to mention the club would probably have to pay the Blues and the NZRU a big transfer fee. I don't think this debacle has turned out well for anyone.
John
Guest
Yeah gonna be hard to have credibility after saying he would only play for the tigers. Geez what a disaster. Still I think the warriors, sharks or brisbane are the only serious contenders. Surely he would go to the warriors?