Benji Marshall knocked back the chance to be the face of the English Super League, a decision which appears justified after the Broncos found a way to squeeze him into their star-studded back line.
Marshall was tempted with offers from a number of European clubs, with the most lucrative coming from St Helens and Catalans. Had he accepted, Marshall would have become one of the biggest-ever signings for the English competition, where the 31-year-old would have been the figurehead of their marketing campaigns.
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However, Marshall and his partner, Zoe, were keen to remain in Australia, with the former of the belief he still had plenty to offer in the NRL.
Marshall's decision to reject the Dragons – both the St George Illawarra and Catalans variety – has created an unexpected opportunity at Brisbane. Most pundits predicted Marshall would struggle to remain in the NRL after parting company with the Red V, particularly given most clubs have settled on their halves combinations.
However, when Marshall personally reached out to Wayne Bennett to discuss his options, the Brisbane coach realised he could add value to his roster. Bennett has always wanted to coach Marshall at club level, having worked with him previously as part of the New Zealand national team and at All Stars level.
The retirement of established stars Corey Parker and Jack Reed freed up sufficient salary cap space to accommodate Marshall. Bennett's absence – he is in England preparing their national team for the upcoming Four Nations tournament – has complicated negotiations, although both parties are hopeful of finalising a deal by the end of the week.
The Broncos already have an established halves pairing of Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt, raising questions about how Marshall will be utilised. It's understood Marshall will be considered as a centre, where he could fill the void left by Reed, although the club has recruited Titan David Mead. There is also doubt about the future of James Roberts, who has again gone off the rails after switching from the Gold Coast. The 2015 Dally M centre of the year has checked into rehab to deal with alcohol issues, raising questions about his future.
Marshall will also be able to cover for Milford, Hunt and fullback Darius Boyd should they or other outside backs be required for State of Origin duty. The former Golden Boot winner could also come into contention for the bench utility role that Kodi Nikorima has held in recent times.
![Back together: Benji Marshall and Wayne Bennett at an NRL All Stars press conference.](/web/20161022133512im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/6/4/3/b/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gs63ru.png/1476861061902.jpg)
There has been speculation Hunt, who is off contract at the end of next year, could be squeezed out of Red Hill. The halfback has been linked to Parramatta, but Bennett has moved to assure him his place is safe, at least in the short term.
Marshall has been a regular panelist on NRL 360 and the Queensland move is unlikely to affect that or other media opportunities.
After pulling their offer to Marshall, the Dragons remain without an established half to partner captain Gareth Widdop. Luke Keary, Corey Norman, Lachlan Coote and Cooper Cronk have all shunned interest from the Dragons to stay put, while plans to sign Todd Carney have been aborted after the NRL indicated it would not register him. That leaves Drew Hutchison, who led feeder side Illawarra Cutters to grand final glory, as the leading contender for the No.7 jersey.
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