Clubs are queuing up for Benji Marshall.
Brisbane reserve grade clubs, that is.
But the veteran playmaker is still backing himself to cement a spot in the Broncos’ top 17 next year.
So much so that he has refused to answer calls from prospective reserve grade sides – for now.
Marshall, 31, admitted there was a “fair chance” he would play in the second-tier Queensland Cup after signing a shock one year Broncos deal for 2017.
In a queue behind Broncos halves Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt, Marshall’s best bet appears to be selection as a bench utility.
Otherwise a lengthy Queensland Cup stint awaits.
However, Marshall said he had begrudgingly refused to acknowledge calls from reserve grade clubs – so far.
“The phone hasn’t stopped going,” said Marshall, who officially began pre-season training with the Broncos this week.
“I have not answered the phone the last six weeks which has been pretty hard.
“My immediate goal is to not play there (Queensland Cup) but there is a fair chance that could happen.
“We will have to see where the Broncos want me to play, and I have no idea where that is.
“But my goal is to be in the best team and in the top 17 again.”
The former Kiwi captain has overcome hamstring issues that sabotaged his 2016 season with the Dragons and threatened to leave him on the NRL scrapheap.
Marshall said he now wanted to make the most of his lifeline from Brisbane master coach Wayne Bennett.
Even if it meant biding his time in reserve grade.
“I am looking forward to enjoying a season,” Marshall said ahead of his 15th NRL season.
“One of the key things that Wayne said was that he wanted to see me with a smile on my face again.
“I want to have a fun year.
“If it is playing in that (reserve) grade then so be it.
“But I am professional and pretty competitive – I am not going to die wondering, put it that way.”
Marshall hopes that approach will help spark a return to the side-stepping, flick passing youthful version of himself.
“Looking back, since I have been a halfback I have always been worried about organising everyone else,” Marshall said.
“I want a break from that and just to worry about myself for a second.
“People ask why I made this move. I have made a lot of decisions to please others in the past – this one is for myself.”
BigJ
Roar Guru
I seriously doubt that the broncos would sign benji for a one year deal just to send him to the qld cup, they will want their moneys worth, and im pretty sure the Burliegh Bears are a feeder club for the titans
Republican
Guest
Go to NZ and do both nations a favour.
Jacko
Guest
A bit of a silly article really. How many other former internationals and former players of the year are ringing all the reserve grade sides to see if there is a spot? I dont believe Benji is aiming to play reserve grade.
Uglykiwi
Guest
Hunt is in trouble. Wouldn't be surprised to see Marshall start this season at half. Bennett wants Hunt out and he usually gets his way!
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Burleigh is nice this time of year Benji. Better get used to it
Stuart McLennan
Expert
He will attract fans and provide entertainment wherever he plays. There have been worse signings.
Chook
Guest
We are talking about one of the best and most exciting halves ever to play the game. I remember thinking how crazy it was when Madge signed Lote Taquiri. That as it turned out was a master stroke.
Chook
Guest
BigJ
Roar Guru
yeah but that is still 13 losses, but i have faith that theyll get there one day, the sharks only took fifty years so there is hope for them yet. BUt your correct a massive improvement of last year
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
They actually won 6 this year and drew one, they did pretty well for themselves I thought.. That is a 650% improvement on the year before.
steve
Guest
I reckon we still may see Ben Hunt at Parramatta before the season starts. That way Benji slots straight in to the 7.
BigJ
Roar Guru
I think benji should not bite the hand that feeds him, but he has singed to play for the Broncos not QLD Cup, but if neccessary send him to the Capras, they might be able to win more than three games a season ha aha ha
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Until there is an injury, at which case you think it was a stroke of genius.
Harvey
Guest
I think he was a peculiar signing by the Broncos. Seems to be surplus to requirements.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Go to Wynnum Manly. At least it's only down the road so I can watch him go around. At that level I think he would be good.
Mike from tari
Guest
I seem to remember him saying the same thing when the Dragons offered him his last lifeline.