Former Kiwis star Benji Marshall looks set to join St George Illawarra after Cronulla ruled themselves out of the running for his services this evening .
Marshall, who recently made the decision to return to rugby league after a brief but unsuccessful stint in Super Rugby with the Blues, had told the Dragons they had until 7pm this evening to table an offer, otherwise he would sign for their arch rivals the Sharks.
It would seem the club have come good for the former Wests Tigers star with Cronulla ruling themselves out of the running to sign him.
Marshall, however, seems to have made few friends at the Sharks with the club releasing a statement that was both mournful and cutting.
"We made Benji a very good offer and are disappointed he won't be joining our club," Sharks chief executive Steve Noyce said.
"We have strong values surrounding mateship here at the Sharks and, with a collection of his good friends at the club, thought that may have swayed him."
"As it turned out, that obviously wasn't the priority for him with his final decision. We can accept that and we wish him well.
"It must be said in Todd Carney, who is on a long term contract here, and Jeff Robson who has been terrific for us this year, along with others we have coming through our lower grades, we certainly have quality players in the halves and confidence in their ability to do the job for us."
As the Sharks and Dragons were the only two clubs left in the hunt for Marshall's services it seems almost 100 per cent certain St George is where he'll end up. Confirmation of the deal has yet to be made, however.
