Benji Marshall signs with Auckland Blues

BENJI Marshall will play Super Rugby with the Blues next year after signing with the Auckland-based franchise.

Benji Marshall

BENJI Marshall will play Super Rugby with the Blues next year after signing with the Auckland-based franchise.

Marshall will make the switch to rugby union in 2014 after last month announcing he was ending his decade-long relationship with the NRL's Wests Tigers.

Marshall met with Blues officials, including coach John Kirwan, during a visit to Auckland last Friday.

Marshall said at the time the prospect of becoming an All Black was a strong motivation for him to switch codes.

``It's looking promising, if it all works out according to plan then hopefully I do end up playing here,'' Marshall said on Friday before returning to Sydney.

``I've got to take into account all my options but the opportunity to maybe one day play for the All Blacks is a pretty big motivator for me.

``Obviously I'm pretty nervous about that, but at the same time excited at the prospect of having the opportunity.''