Benji Marshall wants to continue his career in NRL, not Super League
BENJI Marshall won’t be reuniting with former Tigers coach Tim Sheens at Salford in the Super League with the halfback keen to continue his NRL career.
Footy Form
Don't miss out on the headlines from Footy Form. Followed categories will be added to My News.
BENJI Marshall won’t be reuniting with former Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens at Salford in the English Super League next season, but the veteran half still has options to continue his career in the NRL.
Marshall was linked to Salford this week, where Sheens is currently the director of rugby at the Red Devils.
However, The Saturday Telegraph can reveal the English club has had no discussions with Marshall or his new manager Mario Tartak.
Salford has also filled their quota at halfback for 2017, ending any chance of the Dragons playmaker joining the club.
That said, Marshall’s first priority is to remain in the NRL and he will fight for his future in the coming months.
While the likes of Cronulla and Melbourne publicly stating no desire in recruiting the playmaker, it’s understood two Sydney clubs have expressed interest without a formal bid.
This includes the Tigers, who despite saying their focus is retaining young halves Mitch Moses and Luke Brooks, may consider Marshall if either Moses or Brooks decide to take up an option in their favour to leave the club at the end of the season.
The duo has until June to make a final decision on their futures at the joint-venture club.
St George Illawarra have already tabled Marshall their final offer of $300,000 and the star half may have to settle on that figure to remain at the club beyond this season.
Marshall’s manager is currently weighing up options and is set to meet with the Dragons late next week to discuss upping their offer.
Ian Millward, the Director of Rugby League Pathways, has already stated the club’s desire to retain the former Kiwi Test half, but admitted it’s a juggling act with the salary cap.
“We’d like Benji to stay, but we have to work within our parameters,” he said.
Marshall was a late withdrawal against Brisbane on Friday night due to a hamstring injury, but is hopeful of returning to face the Titans on the Gold Coast next Saturday.
Originally published as Benji Marshall wants to continue his career in NRL, not Super League
Get your 2019 NRL tipping chart
Whether you’re getting the office together or just organising the family tipping competition, you’re going to need a tipping chart. We’ve got you covered. DOWNLOAD YOUR CHART HERE.
Storm’s new iceman sledges Cronk
WITH Cooper Cronk’s departure last season, Cameron Munster has emerged as Melbourne’s clutch hero in 2018, and the playmaker let his former teammate know all about his new-found talent.