Phantomlock
New member
**Benji Marshall has announced a switch of code and country after signing a two-year deal with Super Rugby team the Blues.**
In a widely anticipated move, the 28-year-old will end his 11-year career with the Wests Tigers by shifting to Auckland when the NRL season finishes.
He said in a statement he is excited by the prospect of playing under the Blues coaching staff, led by Sir John Kirwan, who has driven the negotiations with Marshall over the past month.
"Based on what JK has told me about the winning culture the Blues are working to create and where he sees my part in that, I’m really looking forward to this next stage of my sporting career," he said.
"It was important for us to see for ourselves the area, the facilities and what was in store should we move to Auckland. As a New Zealander, it’s pretty special to be able to live back here with my wife."
Whakatane-born Marshall last played rugby in his early teenage years before taking up a rugby league scholarship in Queensland.
His career blossomed, the flamboyant playmaker going on to guide the Tigers to a premiership in 2005, inspire New Zealand in their World Cup triumph in 2008 and captain his country.
Kirwan believes Marshall can shine in his return to rugby.
"Benji has the ability to break open a game; he's one of those players that does the right thing at the right time. He has great footwork and a good passing game so we can see those attributes really being beneficial to the Blues and to rugby union."
Kirwan says he hasn't determined what position Marshall will play but will consider him at five-eighth, inside centre and fullback.
"We're leaning towards 15 (fullback) but we'll just have to wait until he joins the team for pre-season training and see how it goes."
Marshall had considered pursuing a place in the Kiwis squad for the rugby league World Cup but a Blues spokesman said he had ruled that out.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew has welcomed Marshall’s return to rugby.
"We’re really pleased a player of Benji's quality has decided to return to rugby and find a new home with the Blues," he said.
"He has the x-factor that excites fans so I am sure he will add much to the Blues, as well as being the sort of player that will inspire younger players."
(click on link to hear what Benji says)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-10/benji-marshall-signs-two-year-deal-with-blues/4877910
In a widely anticipated move, the 28-year-old will end his 11-year career with the Wests Tigers by shifting to Auckland when the NRL season finishes.
He said in a statement he is excited by the prospect of playing under the Blues coaching staff, led by Sir John Kirwan, who has driven the negotiations with Marshall over the past month.
"Based on what JK has told me about the winning culture the Blues are working to create and where he sees my part in that, I’m really looking forward to this next stage of my sporting career," he said.
"It was important for us to see for ourselves the area, the facilities and what was in store should we move to Auckland. As a New Zealander, it’s pretty special to be able to live back here with my wife."
Whakatane-born Marshall last played rugby in his early teenage years before taking up a rugby league scholarship in Queensland.
His career blossomed, the flamboyant playmaker going on to guide the Tigers to a premiership in 2005, inspire New Zealand in their World Cup triumph in 2008 and captain his country.
Kirwan believes Marshall can shine in his return to rugby.
"Benji has the ability to break open a game; he's one of those players that does the right thing at the right time. He has great footwork and a good passing game so we can see those attributes really being beneficial to the Blues and to rugby union."
Kirwan says he hasn't determined what position Marshall will play but will consider him at five-eighth, inside centre and fullback.
"We're leaning towards 15 (fullback) but we'll just have to wait until he joins the team for pre-season training and see how it goes."
Marshall had considered pursuing a place in the Kiwis squad for the rugby league World Cup but a Blues spokesman said he had ruled that out.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew has welcomed Marshall’s return to rugby.
"We’re really pleased a player of Benji's quality has decided to return to rugby and find a new home with the Blues," he said.
"He has the x-factor that excites fans so I am sure he will add much to the Blues, as well as being the sort of player that will inspire younger players."
(click on link to hear what Benji says)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-10/benji-marshall-signs-two-year-deal-with-blues/4877910
