Benji Marshall signs with Blues

From foxsports...

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.'

It's official.. He is no doubt a very talented athlete. Be interesting to see if he can make the transition into a playmaking role. A lot of people are screaming #10. He's obviously great with ball in hand, solid on defence and a passing game to be envied but what is his tactical kicking game like??

If he does go well it'll be interesting to see how he fits into the All Blacks fold 

Wow! Are you sure? I thought the whole Benji rumour was all smoke and mirrors and more about Benji trying to leverage a better league contract rather than a serious attempt to convert to union. If its true, this is great news for Auckland rugby.  Surely he will have to be fast tracked into the Auckland ITM cup team. Next question is where does he play? I've read some speculative stories suggesting that he would play first 5 but I'm not convinced that's the best place for him. I'd rather see him play a French style halfback.  You know, kind of like a 9 and a half or what Piri managed to do in the RWC match against the Wobblies after Carters injury.  

Until I've read something definitive re Benjis signing I'll be treating this revelation with cautious optimism.  

nukefreekiwi, I too was slightly skeptical but I sourced this from foxsports dot com. What is the etiquette on posting links? He has repeatedly stated that he doesn't mind the $300,000 paycut but I didn't bother investigating fox's sources 

It would seem odd that he is only now gunning for an All Blacks spot, if it weren't for the inclusion of the 7's at the olympics. I do genuinely believe that he wants to accomplish more than he can if he stays in NRL

I really like the idea of him at #9 

All good. I've never seen any quarrel about posting links to sites which may be considered "competition", especially if they support an outrageous claim. I think you'll be ok.  

Whoa, a $300,000 pay cut. He must be serious about this conversion to union then. Not some petty whim he dreamed up after a heavy night on the turps. Well, he certainly timed his conversion perfectly. Just enough time to prepare for the Olympic 7's team and the next RWC.  Good luck to him.   

welcome to union benji, the potential to make an SBW/folau impact is very promising.

saffa teams in particular wnt know what to expect given thier lack of interest in league, but the ANZAC contingent know, :o)

im not surprised to seen benji go, all is not well in the tigers camp and the writing was on the wall after sheens was dumped for potter.
rumours about benji leaving were alive then , cos he always had a get out clause if sheens should not be coach.

the only thing i dont know is if its olympics or All Black duties benjis eyeing up, IMO its the All Blacks.