Benji Marshall has signed with the St George-Illawarra Dragons, after rejecting an offer to join the Cronulla Sharks.
Marshall has been talking with a number of NRL clubs, with negotiations coming down to the Dragons and Sharks.
“I’m very excited to be back in the NRL and grateful to the Dragons for the opportunity to represent this great club,” said Marshall.
“To me, the Dragons are a team on the rise which I am very keen to be a part of. I’m looking forward to meeting all the boys and getting back into training and try to earn a spot in the team.”
Coach Steve Price is delighted by the half’s decision, and believes he will provide an exciting dimension to the roster.
“Benji is a quality player who I believe will bring that real “x-factor”, especially in our attack,” said Price.
“I have met with him a couple of times, he is a very proud man who wasn’t happy with how his rugby league career ended and is really determined to make the most of his second chance in rugby league.
“He is fit, he trained at number 15, fullback in rugby union throughout the off-season and it will not take too long for him to get back into the swing of rugby league. He is a winner, a senior player who will be a great fit for our squad.”
Dragons CEO Peter Doust is pleased by Marshall’s decisionr.
“Benji is a marquee player but, more importantly, we believe he comes with the right attitude of playing rugby league again and doing so with the Dragons,” said Doust.
“There is no doubt also that he is a very marketable athlete for our Club and I believe the game and I know that the playing squad are pleased to welcome him to our roster.
“We are looking forward to his contributions both on and off the field.”
Cronulla’s chief executive Steve Noyce made the following statement, noting that Marshall chose not to rejoin a number of his old friends at the club:
“We made Benji a very good offer and are disappointed he won’t be joining our club,” Noyce said.
“We have strong values surrounding mateship here at the Sharks and with a collection of his good friends at the club thought that may have swayed him. As it turned out that obviously wasn’t the priority for him with his final decision. We can accept that and we wish him well.
“It must be said in Todd Carney, who is on a long term contract here, and Jeff Robson who has been terrific for us this year, along with others we have coming through our lower grades, we certainly have quality players in the halves and confidence in their ability to do the job for us.”
Ken
Guest
Lockyer was a fullback playing 5/8th too. Hornby went OK, won a premiership and played for Australia at 7.
Ken
Guest
Lockyer was a fullback playing 5/8th too. Hornby went OK, won a premiership and played for Australia at 7.
rvm99
Guest
I felt Steve Noyce’s comments were a backhander, but he’s entitled to his opinion like all of us. Whilst I am pleased to see Benji back in Rugby League, he may not be the answer for the Dragons at #7. He had his best years with West Tigers when Scott Prince who was a genuine #7 with all the right football brains and organizational ability conducted the on field operations to allow Marshall the freedom to exploit his creativity when the opportunity presented (or even when it didn’t). Gareth Widdop has all the same qualities as Prince playing at #6 and one would hope for Dragons fans that he can get the same chemistry happening. Good luck to Benji and the Dragons.
Ben Lott
Guest
I doubt Benji will play half. I'd have more thought he'll be 5/8 and they'll move Widdop to 1/2. Not that either option is looking good for the Draggings... I agree with people about... Price and Doust should stake their careers on this, and if Benji fails and is outed, so should they go, too.
Kane
Guest
he couldnt last 12 months of rugby in NZ. Imagine how sh!t he will be back in league
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Steve Noyce sounded a little bitter. There are 6 ex Tigers at the Sharks, plenty of mates. Dragons taking a big punt.
Muzz
Guest
Benji's rather healthy level of self esteem V a stubborn coach, who most Dragons fans aren't too keen on. Let's see who gets the flick first. IMO - Recipe for disaster.
peeeko
Roar Guru
as a dragons fan i hope he is worth the risk, don't know why the sharks had to make an announcement about not signing him. surely thats a first?
Charles NSW
Guest
The Dragons need a decent halfback therefore it is a good opportunity for Benjamin to take this position as his own with the experience he has! If he is not firing the idea of centre maybe worth a thought Jamesb, where he can relax more and chime in on instinct.
hindsight
Guest
they just off loaded an ageing 5/8 who can't tackle for another go figure
Gaz
Guest
A product of his own environment. A flick pass here and there and an instant media hit. As a true league player you must admit the jury is undecided. Good luck to the Dragons I hope you havn't paid too much.
jamesb
Guest
Maybe put Benji out in the centres and still have Williams at halfback.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
The Sharks would have been good but with Carney and Robson at Cronulla Benji was always going to be on the bench or NSW Cup. The Dragons have had half back problems for years, even Hornby was a fullback playing half for them Can Benji play half? We'll find out soon.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Mitchell Pearce shouldnt even be playing reserve grade
Scott Pryde
Expert
I have heard Dan Hunt and Michael Witt are gone next year Ken. I am a dragons supporter also and can't say I would be real happy if Hunt is disapearring
Felix
Guest
Poor choice. When Marshall flops at the Dragons Doust and Price should have their bags packed ready to leave.
Felix
Guest
Poor choice. When Marshall flops at the Dragons Doust and Price should have their bags packed ready to leave.
Gappy
Guest
At least he is a halfback
Florian
Guest
I'm a die hard fan for dragons,and the signing of Benji look a bit bad to me but if he's in then why not do the best for the team and never let us down....
WRB
Guest
Could do worse and sign Mitchell Pearce!!