RLW: Benji to play for Scotland?

[Burns]

IN this week’s RLW, Kiwi ace Benji Marshall is set to make a shock return to international football . . . but not for New Zealand!

Scotland coach Steve McCormack is desperate for quality players to represent the Bravehearts at next year’s Four Nations and sounded out Marshall, who has Scottish ancestry, in a hush-hush meeting in Sydney recently.

Learn more about Braveheart Benji’s bid to stick one up Steve Kearney’s Kiwis exclusively in this week’s RLW.

Source: http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/weeks-rlw-9/

I don't have access to a RLW at the moment, has anyone read the article?

This would have be the most laughable possibility for Scotland, but then again this is rugby league.

 

[Heritage XIII]

Scotland's domestic structure has all but collapsed. Time for the RLIF to step in and possibly take them out of the 4Nations & RLWC (as they don't meet the criteria now)?

 

[Foreign Legion]

What a dumb idea

 

[roughyedspud]

If hes eligible let him play...

Its no different to samoa picking former kiwis!

 

[RedVee]

It would be a turn up all right!

 

[paulmac]

I read the article and it states his GREAT grandparents came from Scotland. He's not eligible.I do agree that Scotland should be kicked out of the 4 nations as thier domestic setup doesn't meet the appropriate standards.

 

[Foreign Legion]

Seriously whats the scotish comp like are they able to develop players for super league standard???

 

[roughyedspud]

I read the article and it states his GREAT grandparents came from Scotland. He's not eligible..

so how has it even been printed then?? piss poor journalism..its a non-story

 

[nrlnrl]

The guy who wrote it in Rugby League Week will look silly after this follow up :

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...sidering-scotland-switch-20150721-gigzb4.html

Benji Marshall committed to New Zealand and not considering Scotland switch

Date July 21, 2015 - 1:42PM

• 

Brad Walter

Sports Reporter

Benji Marshall attended a recent meeting of New Zealand players and remains fully committed to continuing his Test career with the Kiwis.

A furious Marshall refuted reports suggesting he was considering changing his international allegiance to Scotland and said he was hoping to be selected in the New Zealand squad for the three-Test series against England in the UK at the end of the season.

"It's bullshit. I have no interest to play for Scotland at all," Marshall said. "I'm fully committed to playing for New Zealand. I went to the last meeting of New Zealand squad members six weeks ago, everything between me and Stephen Kearney is fine and I am in line for the end of season tour."​

Marshall was overlooked by the Kiwis coach for last year's triumphant Four Nations campaign but the chance to spend a full off-season training with St George Illawarra has proven to be a blessing in disguise and he has been one of the Dragons best players.

The 30-year-old playmaker said he was not eligible to play for Scotland and denied reports he had met with the Bravehearts coach, Steve McCormack, in Sydney last month.


Marshall has played 27 Tests for the Kiwis and captained the team to the 2008 World Cup and 2010 Four Nations titles but his last appearance in the New Zealand jersey was in 2012 as he switched to rugby union at the end of the 2013 season and was unavailable for the World Cup in Britain.
After sticking with Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran for this year's ANZAC Test, Kearney told Marshall his ​omission was not personal and he would be considered for the end of season tour to England.

"The only thing I challenged him on was that it was nothing personal ... there's definitely no issues," Marshall told NRL 360 in April.
"You know I have aspirations to represent New Zealand still and I wanted to make sure it was nothing personal, because if it was, he's the coach for the next three years.

 

[Matua]

It will be the height of idiocy on behalf of the selectors if Benji can't make the Kiwis squad for the EOYT.

 

[ANTiLAG]

No Johnson now if ankle season ending. WB Benji.

 

[roughyedspud]

Not much else to choose from really...

As a englishman...benji & foran together makes me smile cos them two together never worked...

 

[RedVee]

Benji isn't playing well the last few games. He'd be lucky to make the NZ team even with Johnsons injury.

 

[roughyedspud]

Benji isn't playing well the last few games. He'd be lucky to make the NZ team even with Johnsons injury.

Who else is gonna play in the halves lol

 

[JohnDoe]

I should be worried about the Kiwis chances with Shaun Johnson injured. Then I remember Matty Smith will be the halfback for England. And think to myself we still got this.

 

[paulmac]

Who else is gonna play in the halves lol

Leulalai ,Corey Norman,Isaac John or Rangi Chase - no wait.

 

[roughyedspud]

Leulalai ,Corey Norman,Isaac John or Rangi Chase - no wait.

Who,who,who,who,who and you can have him back lol

 

[UNION TROLL]

SJ is a massive loss to the kiwis......but they should still win the series

 

[roughyedspud]

SJ is a massive loss to the kiwis......but they should still win the series

Based on what exactly?

The last time a "benji & foran" kiwi played england in england they got a 28-6 hammering...and the current england team is miles better than that england team...

 

[UNION TROLL]

Based on what exactly?

The last time a "benji & foran" kiwi played england in england they got a 28-6 hammering...and the current england team is miles better than that england team...

The current kiwi squad is currently the best team in the world. If they bring their best side to the UK I expect a 3 game whitewashing..... Kiwi pack is stronger, kiwi backs are stronger and even without SJ the kiwis will have better players at 6 & 7.......
.....as for then last time the kiwis were in the UK, I believe they won.