Benji has the Blues and just wants to get out
High-profile rugby code-hopper Benji Marshall wants to quit rugby union for an immediate return to league after struggling for game time with the Auckland Blues Super Rugby side, the team confirmed on Monday.
High-profile rugby code-hopper Benji Marshall wants to quit rugby union for an immediate return to league after struggling for game time with the Auckland Blues Super 15 side, the team confirmed on Monday.
The former rugby league star with Wests Tigers switched to union and the Blues in a blaze of publicity late last year, saying he wanted to make the All Blacks national team.
But the New Zealand-born playmaker has never been comfortable with his new code and played only 212 minutes of the first eight games of the season.
It just hasn’t worked out, it is disappointing. He’s not had the game time he’d like
The Blues confirmed that Marshall has now asked to be released from his contract.
"All parties are currently in discussions regarding this request and need to work through a formal process before making any further comment," the Blues said.
Media reports said the 29-year-old was already putting out feelers to clubs in Australia's National Rugby League who may be interested in him.
English Super League club Salford has reportedly also expressed an interest.