Benchy Marshall is Back

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Benji Marshall. Everyone in the NRL knows who he is.

A few years ago he was the shining star of the Wests Tigers. He was the first person who came to mind when thinking of the club, he was the go-to man to change the pace and outcome of the game and he was regarded as the reason the Tigers were inspired to win the premiership in 2005. Was.

Marshall had steered the Tigers to incredible wins for a decade. He had inspired his team to hold onto a win or push for a win, he had set up countless tries, impressed with many solo efforts and had an exceptional goal kicking rate. He was the captain of New Zealand and orchestrated the win against Australia in the 2010 ANZAC test match. He had been awarded the Golden Boot trophy and was recognized world-wide as a top athlete.

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Eventually the dynasty he had created and ruled for so long began declining. Whether it was just the start of a lull in his usually consistent performance or the departure of coach Tim Sheens in 2011, the next two seasons were dreadful for the Kiwi representative. With a new management at the Tigers, including a new coach and Marshall's lack of direction and leadership, the Tigers plummeted to 14th on the ladder; they had begun the season tipped as the premiership-winning favorites. There was no doubt about it- Marshall had fallen into a slump. The arrival of new coach Mick Potter certainly did added fuel to the fire. The former star had had enough, with the initial friction between himself and the coach, then the shocking decision to start Marshall on the bench, presenting him with the embarrassing nickname, 'Benchy Marshall'.

He was supposed to re-sign with the Wests Tigers. He was supposed to extend his contract. He was supposed to retire with the club he had debuted with. He was supposed to leave the team he had put so much blood, sweat and tears into. He didn't. Since the lengthy, confusing and damn right irritating debacle revolving around Magic Marshall and his beloved Tigers last year, a lot has changed. The 'will he/ won't he' phases followed by the controversial appearance of Marshall in his new team's jersey just hours after leading the Tigers to another loss against wooden spooners, the Parramatta Eels, as well as his arrogant and cold attitude towards his actions were seen as a large, public up yours to the Tigers. The whole conflict hurt the clubs' players, the NRL itself ad especially the supporters.

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Benji Marshall had signed with the Rugby Union team the Blues in New Zealand. Although there were reports that there was friction in Tigertown between players and staff as well as not enough money being offered- the Tigers contract which was downgraded from $1m to $700,000 a season, but none of these speculations had been confirmed. Marshall had claimed he wanted a challenge, wanted to return to the sport he grew up playing, wanted to play for the All Blacks. It was a huge slap in the face to supporters. Vowing to never play NRL professionally again, he apologized to his fans and stated he would never again play against the Tigers, out of respect and commitment to his cherished club.

Just when the NRL had seemingly forgotten the wonderkid and the Tigers had moved on and rebuilt their team, Benji was released from his two year union contract. Making just 6 appearances, 5 off of the bench, it's fair to say his dismal stint in the Super 15 was nothing more than a pipe-dream.

Less than a month after being released, Marshall is back in NRL. The Tigers did not expect him to be back and had spend time and money developing new players in his place. Releasing a statement, they commented that they had moved on and understandably, didn't want him. After another dragged out 'will he/ won't he' series regarding his signature on a Sharks, Storm or Dragons contract, the 28 year old signed with the Illawarra Dragons, for $1.1m over 2 years. After his club compensated the Tigers $150,000, he is debuting today (17.5.14) against the Parramatta Eels.

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Marshall will not be a Tiger for life. His actions have turned many fans against him. His return to rugby league is full of speculation. Will he return with a fizzle and a bang or will Benji Marshall's career deflate and reflect his poor effort in union? Only time will tell.

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1. http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-league-news/benchy-bungee-marshall-5938343
2. http://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2014/05/16/benji_marshall_statement.html

Images
1. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-02/marshall-sinks-sharks-in-golden-point/4665324
2. http://www.wdnicolson.com/2010/12/benji-marshall-wins-2010-goldenboot.html
3.  http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/9031716/Coach-slams-Benji-for-wearing-Blues-jersey
4.  http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/benji-marshall-selects-the-dragons-for-his-league-resurrection/story-fnca0von-1226912333280