Benji Marshall involved in late-night incident

Yep, Sky News broadcast the press conference live and Sheens actually started to read the team out at the end but Sky went back to the news desk.

On top of what tigh said, the only other info is that McKinnon is fullback and Tuqiri on one wing…
 
Humph and Sheens both defended Benji being out late saying that he had put in a 12 hour day in and around the fund raiser and he had every right to have a couple of wind down drinks after it.
i am in 100% agreement with this.

About time the media turns their focus to these idiots and lets Benj get on with his job.
 
See this is what annoys me. Benji was puting in hours of work (not just a token appearance) for disadvantaged kids and he can't even get a burger on his way back to his hotel without being harassed. I'm betting the pelican he hit has never done anything for sick kids - he was probably getting legless with his gutless mates while Benji was making some poor kids year by talking with them. Hard not to get really angry about the whole thing…

Source: http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8221064

Marshall has been charged for an alleged assault at 3.20am on Saturday morning after he had hosted a charity function for children's cancer in Sydney. The event raised about a quarter of a million dollars for kids cancer.

"I attended the charity event as did Tim," Humphreys said.

"He interviewed people, gave a passionate speech to the room and then interviewed parents of kids with cancer.

"He worked through past midnight, and it was the end of a very busy week for him including the club launch, NRL launch, media and commitments.

"Benji, given the effort he went to, was entitled to relax with his close friends."
 
Great to see he has the full support of the club - and that they follow up this support in front of the cameras. Good job Humphries and Sheens.

BTW - Benji sounded shattered.
 
@Yossarian said:
See this is what annoys me. Benji was puting in hours of work (not just a token appearance) for disadvantaged kids and he can't even get a burger on his way back to his hotel without being harassed. I'm betting the pelican he hit has never done anything for sick kids - he was probably getting legless with his gutless mates while Benji was making some poor kids year by talking with them. Hard not to get really angry about the whole thing…
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Absolutely agree Yoss. Its infuriating.

These "gangs" are a gutless scourge on society. They are popping up everywhere as well…they just pick, pick, pick all night long there is nothing manly about any of them.

...and '05....no one has said that you are a pussy if you walk away. All I'm saying is that you've obviously never been in this situation before as its not just as easy as turning your back....they'll king hit you.
 
@stryker said:
@Yossarian said:
See this is what annoys me. Benji was puting in hours of work (not just a token appearance) for disadvantaged kids and he can't even get a burger on his way back to his hotel without being harassed. I'm betting the pelican he hit has never done anything for sick kids - he was probably getting legless with his gutless mates while Benji was making some poor kids year by talking with them. Hard not to get really angry about the whole thing…

Absolutely agree Yoss. Its infuriating.

These "gangs" are a gutless scourge on society. They are popping up everywhere as well…they just pick, pick, pick all night long there is nothing manly about any of them.

...and '05....no one has said that you are a pussy if you walk away. All I'm saying is that you've obviously never been in this situation before as its not just as easy as turning your back....they'll king hit you.
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Absolutely they will. If you're one bloke (or maybe 2) getting surrounded by drunk clowns, you can't be sure what they might do. Being in a pack turns cowards into lions and it only takes one of them to sucker punch you. As you say, nobody (well hardly anyone) is saying the best thing to do is stay and fight. What we are saying (sorry if I'm puting words into your mouth) is you do what is needed to get you out of the situation and away from there. In Benji's case it seemed to work - he gave one of them a fat lip and not only do they not back it up, they head off to the cop shop.

It's very easy to say what Benji should or should not have done. At the end of the day we weren't there. If he thought someone was going to smash his jaw, well he has to do what he has to do. No point trying to be Mr Good Guy. The media would still have a story and he'd be sipping soup through a straw for the next few months.
 
@redemption said:
@tiger05 said:
There seems to be a complete lack of objective thought on this thread. **It appears Tauber made up the racist remarks.** If so Benji stuffed up even worse than what I initially thought.

That comment completely defames Tauber - what are your grounds for suggesting he "made it up"?????????

Because it has not been proven - or discussed/confirmed by people who know better than to raise it out of a court setting????

And we're not the objective ones eh????

Even when the media uses the word "distancing" they mean "not commenting"…....
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I feel terrible now. I have defamed a player manager. These people are the salt of the earth.

I take it all back and now I see your point.

Benji should be out on the grog abusing people at 5:00 and getting into fights. Heck thats what i am going to be doing tonight after giving the kids a good belting.
 
Benji Marshall Statement
>
The last several days have obviously been stressful for me, particularly as they have resulted in my being charged by the Police.
>
I have been advised by my lawyers that because I have been charged it is now necessary to allow the legal process to take its course. I can however confirm my intention to defend the present charge.
>
In these circumstances I will be making no further comment in relation to the matter until such time as it is finalized before the Court, and I look forward to taking my place in the Wests Tigers team for the start of the season this weekend.
>
Ends

Caution should now be taken as the matter is before the courts…take note
 
I do actually feel extremely sorry for Benji as he is a really good guy and someone who I think is a great role-model for kids. I also bet that he was provoked by a complete muppet.

This doesn't change the point that he should not have retaliated however my assumption is that he will be exonerated and learn from this.
 
The NRL has hit back at claims of inconsistency from Manly over the league's handling of off-field incidents involving Sea Eagles fullback Brett Stewart and Wests Tigers star Benji Marshall.
>
The Sea Eagles on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the NRL for what it claims was "grossly unfair" treatment when Stewart was suspended for four matches and the club fined $100,000 over its boozy season launch in 2009.
>
Coincidentally, Stewart was cleared in court last year of a sexual assault charge stemming from the hours after that launch.
>
Manly were left incensed when the NRL on Monday said it would await the outcome of Marshall's court case before considering any sanction after he was charged with assault following a weekend incident.
>
The Sea Eagles believe the NRL acted too quickly in punishing Stewart two years ago, claiming there was no evidence the representative fullback was heavily intoxicated at the time the NRL said he breached its code of conduct with behaviour unrelated to the sex assault charge.
>
The NRL hit back though, claiming Manly's own report on the incident indicated Stewart was asked to leave the licensed premises where the Sea Eagles held their launch due to intoxication.
>
It was also noted the Sea Eagles admitted at the time that their alcohol management procedures were inadequate.
>
"It remains disappointing that this is being revisited at a time when Brett should be allowed to move on with everyone's support," NRL chief executive David Gallop said in a statement on Tuesday.
>
"Comments the NRL has made in relation to Brett Stewart in recent days have only been in reply to emotional accusations by Manly coach Des Hasler and questions from the media."
>
Manly chief executive Graham Lowe said the Sea Eagles supported the NRL's handling of the Marshall situation, with the Tigers star vowing to defend a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm when he appears in Downing Centre local court on April 20.
>
"In hindsight, in light of the NRL's most recent decisions in similar matters, the fact that Brett was suspended for four weeks and the club fined $100,000 would appear to be grossly unfair," Lowe said.
>
"The club doesn't take any issue with the recent decision of the NRL in the case of Benji Marshall.
>
"Allowing the legal process to take its course, without intervention, is the correct decision to take.
>
"The problem the Manly club and its supporters have is that the same support was not given to Brett Stewart."

source: nrl.com

I think it's due to the Wests Tigers' report that Benji is free to play. Good job Mr. Humphreys??
 
I am even more proud of the club after seeing the presser today. This club of ours is a family, you hurt one you hurt them all, you take on one you better bring your mates!
 
GUILTY. A lot has to fall into place.

I know a little with my work situation,in my opinion all this has to be spot on before Benji would be convicted of any wrong doing.

- The "victim" has to be strong,no second guessing or opinions.Has to withstand vigorous questioning
- The "Video evidence has to be very good,not just show part of image,back of head etc.
-The police would need at least 2 completely separate witnesses with no attachment to the victim.

Also, Benji does not need to say any thing. It is probably best if he does not.
**_It is the police Prosecution that needs to prove that Benji is guilty._**Benji does not need to prove his innocence,they need to prove guilt.
I feel the police would have a very week case, any solicitor worth his salt would tear this (one) charge to bits.

It will not be in court for long.

As i said just my opinion. :supporter:
 
@Frazer4Wests said:
GUILTY. A lot has to fall into place.

I know a little with my work situation,in my opinion all this has to be spot on before Benji would be convicted of any wrong doing.

- The "victim" has to be strong,no second guessing or opinions.Has to withstand vigorous questioning
- The "Video evidence has to be very good,not just show part of image,back of head etc.
-The police would need at least 2 completely separate witnesses with no attachment to the victim.

Also, Benji does not need to say any thing. It is probably best if he does not.
**_It is the police Prosecution that needs to prove that Benji is guilty._**Benji does not need to prove his innocence,they need to prove guilt.
I feel the police would have a very week case, any solicitor worth his salt would tear this (one) charge to bits.

It will not be in court for long.

As i said just my opinion. :supporter:
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Agree with what you have said. I also think the DPP might think the case is too weak and not even brothering to go to court. Might be a good chance also that the victim withdraws his compliant before it gets to court.
 
I dunno much about what you reckon, I'll leave that to the many Perry Masons here, but….his manager has admitted he hit someone...

That wont help
 
It's probably not for us to discuss the legal conjecture to any great degree on here. I'm sure we all have our own opinion on the matter, but this is going to have to take its course in the court system so any legal talk on here should be restrained. At the end of the day it's not up to us to decide Benji's innocence or guilt.
 
He has already admitted that he threw a punch.
And he isn't able to argue provocation under the circumstances either.
 
OMG, Another thread about this?
Mods should merge all the threads into the main one, it'll be 50 page platinum by Friday.
We all have an opinion on this but what will come of this forum if each poster makes an individual thread outlining their OWN thoughts & opinions on a certain topic? Not to mention it can be discussed greatly in the original thread that is 20+ pages.

Mods… Feel free to delete my posts as you usually do but think about it...
 
Assault causing actual bodily harm is actually one of the easier ones to prosectute. Forget this witness stuff. Marshall has already said he hit the bloke, the bloke has a split lip. Pretty open and shut.

As someone pointed out on another thread (Tigh i think) the DPP probably won't even be called upon to look at something as low level as this.

So where does this leave Benji? Best case scenario this peanut withdraws his statement. Police are unlikely to prosecute without a victim statement or giving evidence. If it does go to court is it more than likely the "victim" will be named in full so he may pull out. If it makes it to court, you're right it won't last long. Marshall's lawyers (I'm guessing) will accept some facts into evidence and Benji will offer a defence or reason for his actions. I still think he will get a section 10 if it makes it that far.
 
@Yossarian said:
Assault causing actual bodily harm is actually one of the easier ones to prosectute. Forget this witness stuff. Marshall has already said he hit the bloke, the bloke has a split lip. Pretty open and shut.

As someone pointed out on another thread (Tigh i think) the DPP probably won't even be called upon to look at something as low level as this.

So where does this leave Benji? Best case scenario this peanut withdraws his statement. Police are unlikely to prosecute without a victim statement or giving evidence. If it does go to court is it more than likely the "victim" will be named in full so he may pull out. If it makes it to court, you're right it won't last long. Marshall's lawyers (I'm guessing) will accept some facts into evidence and Benji will offer a defence or reason for his actions. I still think he will get a section 10 if it makes it that far.
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Correct. The police prosecutors will run it. I doubt the DPP would do a AOABH. Very easy offence type to prove if it's a reasonable brief.
One of the only defences for that offence is 'self defence'.

Please don't write on the forums what you may think you know about Benji's case now that he has been charged.
 
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