NRL 2020: Benji Marshall is weighing up a NRL future with offers beyond 2020
He may be finishing up as a player at the Tigers after tonight but it looks as though it won’t be the last seen of Benji Marshall in the NRL, with playing, pundit and commercial roles all waiting.
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Forget about unwanted. Benji Marshall has decisions to make as he weighs up two job offers or playing on in season 2021 with clubs showing interest in the veteran playmaker.
Ahead of his final game for Wests Tigers, News Corp can reveal two NRL clubs are tracking Marshall, 35, who is keen to continue his rugby league beyond this weekend.
If the interest from the two clubs progresses any further it would likely see Marshall line-up for a non-Sydney outfit next year.
But the free agent also has a full-time job offer as an Analyst with Fox League on the table.
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Marshall is a proven media performer and is a regular contributor on Fox League but the channel is keen to add him to their stable of NRL analysts and commentators - if he decides not to play on after tonight, when the Tigers take on Parramatta at Bankwest Stadium.
The 323-game veteran, who has played 256 games for the Tigers over 14 seasons, was told his services on the field won’t be required beyond 2020.
But if Marshall decided to stay involved with the club, where he made his NRL debut back in 2003, then there is a commercial type role waiting for him off the field at Concord.
Saturday night’s showdown against western Sydney rivals, the Eels, will also double as a farewell match for club stalwart Chris Lawrence and rising hooker Harry Grant.
Coach Michael Maguire is demanding his side turn up ready to send-off the departing trio as winners in the final game of the regular season.
“Benji and Chris are two legends of the club, they’ll go down in the [club’s] history. They have put a lot of time, effort, energy and emotion. To pay tribute to those players I think a really good performance is what we are after,” Maguire said.
After making his debut in 2006, Lawrence will call-time on his NRL career after 253 games for the Tigers. Lawrence suffered through horrific injuries over the course of his 15-year career including a hip dislocation and head clash which left him with severe facial fractures.
Marshall was a key part of the club’s maiden title in 2005.
Rising rake Grant, who will rejoin Melbourne’s roster after tonight, has been a revelation in Tigers colours this season.
Grant was leading the Dally M count after round 10 before voting went behind closed doors.
“He came to us as a potential great moving forward but we have been able to draw that out of him,” Maguire said.
“It’s a full credit to my staff and players the way they welcomed him in and worked on his game… so to see him excel the way he has… but there are a lot of positive around with individuals like young Luce [Luciano Leilua], Josh Aloiai, David Nofoaluma, they have played some of their best footy.”
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For Eels coach Brad Arthur, who is looking to secure a top four spot with a win, tonight’s match against the Tigers isn’t a forgone conclusion.
Arthur is prepared for the danger that comes with taking on a Tigers outfit playing on emotion and with nothing to lose.
“We’ve worked extremely hard all year to be a top four team and we need to work extremely hard tomorrow night to make sure we stay a top four team,” Arthur said.
“We’re playing against the Tigers, who have a lot to play for, they are not playing to be in contention in the finals but they have two club legends they’d like to send off on a winning note.
“Our games against the Tigers, especially our last one, they’re always tough and I think they are playing some really attacking entertaining style of football.
“The Tigers will be really up for the contest.”