Benji Marshall in wars on Broncos debut at Auckland Nines

BRISBANE’s surge into the Auckland Nines quarter-finals was tempered by the sight of Benji Marshall nursing a busted lip and sore achilles.

Benji Marshall was in the wars during his debut for the Broncos at the Auckland Nines.

BENJI Marshall has ruled out a serious achilles injury after the Broncos’ big-name recruit found himself in the wars at the NRL Nines in Auckland.

The Broncos enjoyed a superb opening day at Eden Park, with Jordan Kahu scoring five tries to inspire wins over Melbourne and Newcastle.

But Brisbane’s surge into the quarter-finals was tempered by the sight of Marshall, who finished day one nursing a busted lip and sore achilles in his Broncos debut.

Marshall needed six stitches after a head clash in Brisbane’s 18-4 win over the Storm before limping off in the fourth minute of their 21-8 disposal of Newcastle.

Benji Marshall found himself in the wars at the NRL Nines in Auckland.

There were fears the 31-year-old had sustained a tournament-ending injury but Marshall is determined to help the Broncos to Nines glory in the knockout stage on Sunday.

“I’ve got a sore lip and I have tendinitis in my achilles that I’ve had for a few years,” Marshall said.

“When I went to push off, my achilles was a bit sore, so I pulled out. I was going to go back on but the medical staff said not to.

“I will play (Sunday). It gives me another 24 hours to get it right.”

Anthony Milford runs the ball for the Broncos against the Storm. Picture: Mark Evans

While it was a tough day at the office for Marshall, the Broncos collectively had a ball.

With Darius Boyd and Anthony Milford pulling the strings, Brisbane dominated Melbourne and the Knights to guarantee a berth in the final eight.

Rookie Broncos Jaydn Su’A and Matiu Love-Henry impressed, but Kahu stole the headlines, producing a double against the Storm before his classy hat-trick sank the Knights.

Jordan Kahu scores a spectacular try for the Broncos. Picture: Jenny Evans

“It suits me a lot,” Kahu said.

“Coming from a rugby union background I’m used to having a bit more space and I’m enjoying it so far.

“I’m just happy to be here. I’m like a kid playing for fun, I’m not so serious before these games.

“There’s no big pressure on us. We’re going well so hopefully we can go on with it.”