Wests Tigers half Benji Marshall has finally put pen to paper today with his club, ending the Japan saga that was hanging over his head.
While few could tell if the approach from Japanese Rugby was genuine, Marshall wanted to do away with the speculation and focus on football alone – today agreeing to stay with Wests until the end of the 2011 NRL season.
Hot on the heels of Robbie Farah signing with the club, the Wests Tigers have done well to lock down two marquee players in quick succession. With the recent signing of Gareth Ellis, along with a plan to grab at least 1 marquee player a year – Tiger town is looking good.
Marshall was closely watched by NRL officials and fellow players alike; as he eyed off an NRL off-season in Japanese rugby. At one stage, the talented half hinting at letting his contract lapse so he could officially play in Japan for several months – then rejoin the Tigers soon after.
The Tigers play Canberra in their season opener at Campbelltown on Monday night and are short priced favourites to take the early 2 points on offer.