New Zealand Rugby
Benji Marshall unlikely to play ITM Cup
August 16, 2013
Benji Marshall runs with the ball for Wests Tigers against Gold Coast Titans, Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers, National Rugby League, Skilled Park, Robina, Gold Coast, August 4, 2013
Benji Marshall will need a rest after fulfilling his NRL obligations with Wests Tigers © Getty Images
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Don't expect Benji Marshall to be turning out in the ITM Cup, Auckland coach Wayne Pivac says after a meeting with Blues management.

Pivac said he had a space in the squad due to injuries but Marshall would need a rest after he had finally completed his National Rugby League campaign with Wests Tigers, just as Super Rugby players were rested.

Were Marshall available after his break, Pivac said, the Auckland team would be heading toward the end of their campaign and it would be too much to expect him to fit in at that stage.

"I think the competition that he is in, he is going to need physically and mentally to freshen up so it was agreed by all parties that he is going to have a break," Pivac said.

"If he could have come back, it would probably have been toward the last round or two in the competition and we would be well into our work by then. For a conversion to happen in a couple of weeks I think is unrealistic, so I think the right decision has been made."

© Sportal

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