Wally Lewis says he’s stunned by Wayne Bennett’s interest in Benji Marshall

QUEENSLAND legend Wally Lewis says he’s stunned that the Broncos would be interested in signing veteran five-eighth Benji Marshall.

BRONCOS legend Wally Lewis has expressed his surprise at Wayne Bennett’s shock bid to bring Benji Marshall to Brisbane.

But Bennett has received the backing of an unlikely ally, with former Maroons skipper Gorden Tallis praising Brisbane’s NRL lifeline for Marshall.

Such is in the intrigue surrounding Bennett’s pursuit of Marshall, even Brisbane’s greatest servants are divided on whether his acquisition would be a coup for the Broncos.

Lewis, Brisbane’s inaugural skipper and the greatest five-eighth in Origin history, believes Bennett is rolling the dice by signing Marshall, who turns 32 in February.

BENNETT: Marshal won’t replace Milford or Hunt

Marshall is yet to find a new home after leaving the Dragons.

Lewis has great respect for Marshall’s achievements in the code, which include a premiership with the Wests Tigers in 2005, but admits he never imagined Benji in Broncos colours.

“I’m stunned,” ‘The King’ said.

“It’s a surprise move, but every player loves getting a chance when other clubs believe the time has come for them to retire.

“Benji’s last couple of seasons haven’t been his most productive, but when you are given the right chance at the right club under the right coach, things can work out very well.

“I don’t really know what Wayne Bennett has planned for him. Geez ... anyone who isn’t stunned by this has been outside watching the cows come home.”

Earlier this season, Tallis launched a stinging attack on Bennett for complaining about NRL scheduling, but the former back-rower believes Marshall can be a bargain buy.

“When you get a player at your price, it’s a good deal,” Tallis said.

“If the Broncos can get a player like Benji for $100,000 and he’s still hungry, you’re mad not to take him.

Benji Marshall of the Dragons during the NRL round 26 match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Newcastle Knights at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah. pic Mark Evans

“Look, it’s a strange decision but it doesn’t have to be a bad one. Benji has a lot of experience and he’s a good bloke, so he could be good for the culture of the Broncos.

“Benji’s best football is past him, there’s no doubt, but there is still a position on a first grade footy team for him.

“The Broncos have lost senior guys like Jack Reed and Corey Parker (to retirement) and if something does happen to their halves, they have a back-up in Benji.

“I still think he has something to offer the NRL.”

Bennett views Marshall as a possible centre or back-up fullback to Darius Boyd, but Lewis isn’t convinced about his ability as a three-quarter.

“I haven’t seen Benji play centre before, that’s a surprise to anyone who would hear it,” he said.

“Bennett is the only one who can decide what he does with Benji. Why he would want to play him at centre would surprise many people, but we’ll wait and see what he has in mind.

“Wayne has got the best out of blokes before and I’d be surprised if he didn’t get the best out of Benji. I’ll take a wait-and-see approach to see if this comes through.”

Originally published as Wally Lewis says he’s stunned by Wayne Bennett’s interest in Benji Marshall