State of Origin coaches Laurie Daley and Kevin Walters believe it’s probably time for Benji Marshall to move on from St George Illawarra.
Marshall’s future at the Dragons beyond 2016 has been one of the sagas of the NRL season.
But it appears the issue is about to come to a head following the one-time world player of the year’s verbal showdown with coach Paul McGregor this week.
Marshall admits the pair “had a healthy debate” after McGregor was critical of the playmaker’s performance during a team review of the Dragons’ 12-8 loss to Brisbane last Friday night.
“The reason I went to his office was because I was worried about maybe having to play reserve grade, to talk about the reserve grade conversation and he reassured me that he wasn’t going to do that to me,” Marshall told Fox Sports’ NRL 360 program.
But despite being guaranteed he won’t receive the Robbie Farah treatment and be axed from the side like his former Wests Tigers teammate, Marshall’s career at the Dragons appears over at season’s end.
Daley and Walters agree it’s probably best for the former New Zealand Test captain and Tigers premiership winner to try his luck elsewhere.
“I don’t know Benji personally but to me he seems like he’s got a lot to offer,” Walters told NRL 360.
“It hasn’t worked out with him down at the Dragons. Maybe (because of) the combination with him and Gareth Widdop for whatever reasons, I’m not sure.
“I think there’s still some value in Benji somewhere at some of the clubs because he’s got so much experience as a player.
“But clearly it’s not working out down there for him.”
Daley agrees and says Marshall – who turned down a $300,000 a season offer from the Dragons earlier in the year – may have to hope another club comes to the party to extend his NRL career post 2016.
“There’s a lot of things you’ve got to take into consideration,” Daley said.
“Obviously the style of football that you want to play, whether he’d fit into that structure.
“Cost: he’s 31 years of age, what you’re prepared to pay and what you’re you’re prepared to risk – the risk reward.
“And what you think he may be able to bring to your club in a leadership role.
“I still think Benji’s got something to offer but, at the moment, it’s not working out at the Dragons.”
hunky dory
Guest
Benji will work within the style and influence of one of these clubs listed below - for the football gods tell me so. Not so focused on the detail of how it would work but this is where he needs to be. Not in any order, although maybes listed at the bottom broncos parra cronulla cowboys roosters knights (maybe? sea eagles (maybe?)
Jacko
Guest
Once......Just ONCE.. Please put Widdop in reserve grade and see how that goes. Widdop is nothing but a backrower playing no 6 and has nothing in attack which leaves Marshall trying to do it all. Widdop suited Melbourne because of others in the team but has been very average at St George before and during Marshalls time there. Im not saying Marshall will suddenly set up a whole bunch of wins but a wise man once said "why would you expect a different result when you continue to do the same thing" and with Marshall being out injured a number of games this season surely MARY has seen that its not all marshall.
Jacksyd
Guest
Time for Super league
GD66
Guest
Benji wouldn't really want to be too amazed if Mary gave him a service and tune after the Brisbane match, he coughed up the ball around 7 times and certainly goofed two tries with mug errors. Has Been good, but that's the problem.... I thought Widdop and Benji would be a good combo but I agree there's no zap there anymore. Who's showing promise in the junior Dragons ?
Doug Graves
Guest
Boneheaded decision to knock back the 300k offer from the Dragons! What was he thinking? He'll be lucky to get half that anywhere else in the NRL. Still, Benji has been dialing it in since 2012. His heart just doesn't look in it anymore. Might be time to hang up the boots and try his hand at punditry on Foxtel or head down to Channel 9 and see if Beau Ryan can get him his old Footy Show job back.
The Barry
Roar Guru
They are all fair points Ken. I think the main thing is that the Dragons just can't go into 2017 with Widdop and Marshall in the halves again. They need to find something different. Even when they've been at their best it hasn't been spectacular. It may not all be Marshall's fault but because he's off contract and 31 he fits the bill.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Re: Benji's media career. I find him as dull as dishwater. If you compare what he and Ennis offer on NRL 360 on Tuesday night and its chalk and cheese. Ennis is articulate, engaging and insightful. Marshall mumbles, doesn't really speak up unless invited to, speaks in non-stop cliches and takes the easy road of not criticising anything or anyone
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Manly's too small for a gob of his size - Narrabeen would suit him better.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Robbie's got a big gob on him. After footy he could get a job as the shark alarm down at Manly beach.
MAX
Guest
Benji should watch replays of when he had all the time in the world to do as he pleased. Now it is rush,rush as though he must,must. Try a little Richard Clayderman. Smooth!
Ken
Guest
I'm not that down on Benji. He does have a habit of running sideways too much when nothing's on but even at his best he always did that. The fact that he's been frequently injured this year has played against him and the Dragons though. I don't think either himself or Widdop are great organisers of a team. Compare to Thurston or Cronk constantly barking at the team to get them in position for the next couple of plays, neither of these guys have that. Amplifying that problem is Benji being in one week and out the next. Consequently when he takes the ball the other players aren't giving him many options and he just doesn't have that blinding acceleration to do it all himself any more. Remember that last year, when he played almost every game, he was 2nd in the comp for try assists. Unfortunately when you're 31 and playing for a contract you just can't afford an inconsistent, injury-plagued season.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Benji has had a couple of reasonable games only at this stage,he constantly runs into touch instead of taking the tackle, throws hospital passes to teammates and his kicking game is all but gone. His partnership with Widdop hasn't worked and this stalls any type of attack they attempt. Must be tough when you can't see that you are a liability and it is time to move on or retire, both he and Farah have reached the time all players and sportspeople dread, at least Benji will get a media career, don't know about Robbie.