Benji Marshall is reportedly set to be thrown a lifeline by Brisbane as the veteran playmaker seeks an NRL swan song.
The former St George Illawarra half is poised to sign a one-year deal with the Broncos, Channel Seven reported.
The 31-year-old earlier in the year knocked back a $300,000 offer from the Dragons before falling out of favour after a lacklustre 2016.
He was dropped for the penultimate last game of the season by coach Paul McGregor and appeared set to be without a club for 2017 before the likely cut-price deal tabled by the Broncos under coach Wayne Bennett.
The former New Zealand Test pivot has a long association with the master coach, having played under him with the NRL All Stars and they were both a part of the Kiwis’ 2008 World Cup win.
If he does ink a deal with the Broncos, he is likely to play most of the year in the Queensland Cup with the Broncos boasting quality halves in Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt.
However Marshall would give them much-needed depth, especially with both Hunt and Milford on the cusp of State of Origin representation with Queensland next year, especially if Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Michael Morgan suffer injury.
Marshall’s manager Mario Tartak last week said he was in discussions with three Sydney clubs.
Marshall also took to Instagram to apologise to Dragons fans for their lack of success during 2016.
“I am personally sorry for the results on the field this year and the part I played in that,” Marshall said.
“But I’m glad I could be a part of last year’s team in making the finals for the first time in four years which was a highlight for me.”
kk
Roar Pro
Benji knocked on Wayne's door. They did a deal. The salvation of bruised egos. How? Benji extracts the performances from Anthony and Ben hitherto in limbo and is on standby for Origin demands. On the first Sunday of October 2017 this one smart move will have made a major contribution to the Broncos playing Rick's mob for the title.
Steven
Guest
I heard Bennett wants him for the centers, not the halves.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
They've been looking at Matt lodge for months. Brisbane need props and they need them on the cheap
Jacko
Guest
I fail to see how this is a good move fro Benji. Maybe he is increasing his marketability to the Brisbane area. I am still hoping he goes to Newcastle or somewhere where they need his experience.
Stu
Guest
Two reasons the Broncos want Benji - they want him to use him to attract young Kiwis to the club and a couple of their backs are sailing very close to the wind.
Jara W
Guest
Bizarre decision by Benji, but not so much the Broncos. Bennett is probably sweating on both his halves being available for origin this year. Got to say they are due an injury too, it's been a good couple years. Broncos have zero depth in the halves. Nikorima isn't ready. Especially without a seasoned partner.
bigJ
Guest
Surely the donks are not going to waste their time and resoruces with this wash up, but if they do maybe the Central Capras might finally get more than three wins in a season. Hey that is not such as bad idea, they could send him to Rocky with the Capras, that would boost numbers at Browne Park, who knows they might even get more than just the w.a.g.s to watch thier games, ha ha ah.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Doesn't really solve the problem of a running 5/8 and half though...
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Same day the Broncos start copping flak for wanting to sign Matt Lodge they throw this diversion to the media
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Knocks back $300k at dragons to play reggies at Brisbane for prob $80k, while budding media career is in Sydney. Waaaatttt
Don
Roar Rookie
Should be grabbed by the Bulldogs just as a back up and so they can try Josh Reynolds at Hooker. Cheap pick up with minimal risk.