NRL greats Sam Burgess and Benji Marshall considering comebacks in country rugby league

NRL legends Sam Burgess and Benji Marshall are considering lacing up the boots again this season – and they could be joined by another retired great.

Benji Marshall and Sam Burgess could play games for Orara Valley Axemen this season.

NRL legends Sam Burgess and Benji Marshall are considering shock comebacks to rugby league this season – and could be joined by the great Greg Inglis.

Burgess told News Corp he was poised to return to footy – provided he secures a clearance from the NRL — for the group two club he is coaching, Orara Valley, and has asked Marshall to make several cameo appearances.

And Burgess also believes Inglis could turn out for the club he will coach, Macksville.

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The possibility that Burgess, Marshall and Inglis play again in 2022 would be a wonderful boost for country rugby league.

Burgess has taken over as coach of the Orara Valley Axemen, based near Coffs Harbour, and immediately approached Marshall about playing several games through this season.

Sam Burgess will coach the Orara Valley Axeman in the Group 3 competition this season. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

The club is even understood to have sought a personal sponsor for Marshall, who would need to juggle roles with Wests Tigers and Fox Sports.

Marshall, 36, who retired after South Sydney’s grand final last year, has yet to commit but was “excited” at the offer, according to Burgess.

“It could be great for the competition and country rugby league, which certainly needs some rejuvenation and some excitement,” Burgess said.

“Benji would also be a great asset for any young kid who is playing. Any young half that is pretty tidy would benefit from Benji Marshall being around.

“I have spoken to him about playing a few games and he did show some excitement.

“I don’t want to pressure him to play because I know he is busy with his commitments and with his family. But it would be great for the competition up here.”

Burgess was medically retired after the 2019 season through a chronic shoulder injury.

At age 33, Burgess, one of the greatest players in Souths’ famous history, holds a burning desire to play again.

“I want to see if I can play a few games if I can get a clearance,” Burgess said. “I’m contemplating playing. It would be great.

“I’d like to play a few games and I’m hoping Benji might join me.

Benji Marshall has been approached to play some games for Orara Valley this season.

“I want to have a good influence on the team up here and help out. But it’s also about trying to grow the game as much as I can. It might get a few more people through the gates. Financially for a club it would be much better.”

Inglis, 35, has returned from an injury-plagued stint with Warrington in England. He left the NRL after 2019 and enjoyed a year off before his surprise decision to play Super League.

It now looks like he will have a final season back in his beloved hometown.

“I’m not sure how many games ‘Greggy’ is playing,” Burgess said.

The group two competition kicks off in mid-April, with trials to commence in March.

“We’re training like crazy at the moment,” Burgess said. “I love it, it’s so much fun. Bringing a team together, coaching them, it’s great. They are good people up here.”

Originally published as NRL greats Sam Burgess and Benji Marshall considering comebacks in country rugby league