Clubs wait for Marshall's nod
By Paul Haigh
May 6, 2014, 6:30 a.m.
Will he or won’t he: St George Dragons and Cronulla Sharks are keen to sign Benji Marshall (left). Picture: John Veage
ST GEORGE Illawarra and Cronulla are playing a waiting game to see if league comeback man Benji Marshall will sign with either of them.
Both neighbouring NRL clubs, fierce rivals and competitors since 1967, have made very good offers to the former Wests Tigers five-eighth.
A decision from Marshall’s management was expected over the weekend and even by last night.
The Dragons have tabled a contract believed to be worth $1.1 million for the rest of this season, 2015 and 2016.
The Sharks’ deal is estimated to
be $1 million for the remainder of 2014 and the whole of 2015 and 2016.
Marshall sensationally quit his brief New Zealand stint, initially for two years with Super 15 club, Auckland Blues, a fortnight ago.
He has sold his house there and met Dragons coach Steve Price last week.
Both the Dragons and the Sharks are keen for the 201 NRL-game veteran to play halfback to provide experience and a steadying influence.
Sharks chief executive Steve Noyce is keen to entice Marshall to the club.
The fact that he has many former Tigers teammates at the Sharks (namely Blake Ayshford, Bryce Gibbs, Beau Ryan, Isaac De Gois and John Morris) could sway the Kiwi international to sign.
Noyce was also chief executive at the Tigers for a fair slab of Marshall’s time there.
Marshall joined the Tigers in 2003 and is now 29. He starred in the club’s 2005 grand final win over North Queensland.
Marshall’s brilliant display announced that the youngster had arrived in NRL.
http://www.theleader.com.au/story/2259882/clubs-wait-for-marshalls-nod/?cs=1633
P.S Is he trying to get Cronulla to up their offer????