Benjis bid
By MICHAEL CARAYANNIS
Dec. 11, 2015, 3:59 p.m.
HAVING thrived under his revamped playing style Benji Marshall has vowed to be a more selfish player as he mulls over a one-year contract extension at St George Illawarra while continuing his comeback from ankle surgery.
And Marshall is determined to play at least another four years as he approaches his 14th season in the NRL with the 30-year-old's contract expiring at the end of 2016. Discussions have started with Dragons coach Paul McGregor with Marshall saying the pair have spoken about extending his stint by another year.
"As long as my body feels good I'll keep playing," Marshall said. "Realistically in my mind I have another four years left in me based on how I'm feeling mentally and physically. I'll definitely be playing beyond next year.
I had a meeting with Mary [McGregor] about whether he wanted to keep me beyond next season and he has given me an indication that he wants to keep me.
Whether that is for one year or two years I'm not sure yet. At the moment it can only be one. My priority is probably to stay at the Dragons.
"There was nothing official but gathering from what [McGregor] said to me he can offer me a year at the moment.
Looking at the team we've got and the side we're building it's a great proposition for me. It's exciting but at the same time I'm a little bit nervous because it's something that I haven't had to do.
I've always extended and upgraded without being off contract. It's probably the first time I've been off-contract but I back my ability 100 per cent."
Marshall totally revamped his game during his first full season at the Dragons.
Gone were the flashy plays that Marshall showcased when he took the NRL by storm as a youngster at the Wests Tigers.
It comes as the Dragons signed Tim Lafai on a two-year deal on Friday.
Lafai has been released by the Bulldogs, who secured Will Hopoate.
The Dragons are also in the hunt for Jack Bird to return to the Dragons in 2017.
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3555044/benjis-bid/?cs=302
By MICHAEL CARAYANNIS
Dec. 11, 2015, 3:59 p.m.
HAVING thrived under his revamped playing style Benji Marshall has vowed to be a more selfish player as he mulls over a one-year contract extension at St George Illawarra while continuing his comeback from ankle surgery.
And Marshall is determined to play at least another four years as he approaches his 14th season in the NRL with the 30-year-old's contract expiring at the end of 2016. Discussions have started with Dragons coach Paul McGregor with Marshall saying the pair have spoken about extending his stint by another year.
"As long as my body feels good I'll keep playing," Marshall said. "Realistically in my mind I have another four years left in me based on how I'm feeling mentally and physically. I'll definitely be playing beyond next year.
I had a meeting with Mary [McGregor] about whether he wanted to keep me beyond next season and he has given me an indication that he wants to keep me.
Whether that is for one year or two years I'm not sure yet. At the moment it can only be one. My priority is probably to stay at the Dragons.
"There was nothing official but gathering from what [McGregor] said to me he can offer me a year at the moment.
Looking at the team we've got and the side we're building it's a great proposition for me. It's exciting but at the same time I'm a little bit nervous because it's something that I haven't had to do.
I've always extended and upgraded without being off contract. It's probably the first time I've been off-contract but I back my ability 100 per cent."
Marshall totally revamped his game during his first full season at the Dragons.
Gone were the flashy plays that Marshall showcased when he took the NRL by storm as a youngster at the Wests Tigers.
It comes as the Dragons signed Tim Lafai on a two-year deal on Friday.
Lafai has been released by the Bulldogs, who secured Will Hopoate.
The Dragons are also in the hunt for Jack Bird to return to the Dragons in 2017.
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3555044/benjis-bid/?cs=302
