Robbie Farah says he is shocked Wests Tigers teammate Benji Marshall wants to quit the club

ROBBIE Farah says he is "shocked" Benji Marshall wants to quit the Tigers and thought they would play out their career together.

Tigers skipper Robbie Farah has revealed he didn't see Benji Marshall's exit from the club coming until he received a surprise phone call from the star playmaker last night.

Speaking from NSW Origin camp in Coogee this morning, Farah said he was "shocked" when told of Marshall's desire to quit the Tigers after a "breakdown in communication" with club officials over a promised contract re-negotiation.

Prior to the news becoming public around 7pm last night, Marshall phoned the Blues hooker and stand-in captain to give him a heads up.

"I was shocked, I thought he was going to stay," Farah said. "It's disappointing times. It's not the best scenario.

"I always thought Benji would be there playing out his career with me.

"Unfortunately it's not to be."

WE DON'T WANT BENJI

BENJI MARSHALL

WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR BENJI BLOW

A SAD DAY FOR THE TIGERS

Marshall's decision to ask for a release from the final two years of his current deal comes after the impasse between the club and player over a supposed promise from ex-Tigers boss Steve Humphreys.

Marshall has claimed Humphreys promised him a two-year contract extension earlier this year, but the new Tigers administration only offered to financially upgrade the five eighth's current deal.

Farah described the outcome as a "breakdown of communication", but was reluctant to be critical of either party.

"It's disappointing," he said.

Farah and Benji

"It's very hard for me to comment on being captain of the club.

"I'm kind of caught between the club that means a lot to me and mate that means a lot to me.

"There's a few things that have gone wrong there.

"Obviously there's been a breakdown of communication, but you would have to ask the people that were involved in that."

Marshall is expected to sign with a rugby union franchise by the end of the week, with the NSW Waratahs and Auckland Blues both favoutites for his services.

Japanese Rugby clubs are also in the market.

"It's a massive loss for the game," Farah said.

"You want your best players playing. Benji has done so much for the Tigers and rugby league.

"Kids play footy and grow up wanting to be players like Benji.

"No doubt it's disappointing."