Super Rugby
Salford weigh up Benji Marshall move
ESPN Staff
April 6, 2014
Benji Marshall watches the Blues in action from the pine © Getty Images
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Benched Blues recruit Benji Marshall may be set for a return to rugby league, with English Super League club Salford reportedly poised to offer the former NRL star a AUS$3 million (£1.68m) deal.

As reported in The Sunday Telegraph, Salford's billionaire owner Marwan Koukash will discuss a move for Marshall with Salford coach Iestyn Harris in the next 48 hours in the coming days.

Marshall, 29, is reportedly less than satisfied in Auckland, having been unable to win a starting berth with the Blues after switching codes at the end of last season.

"We always looking at players of Benji's quality," Koukash told The Sunday Telegraph. "Who wouldn't be interested in him? I'll be talking to our coach about all the recruitment over the next couple of days. Benji will be one of a few players we'll talk about. Ring me back during the week and I might have some more news for you."

Marshall's manager Martin Tauber was unavailable for comment, however All Blacks great Andrew Mehrtens says Marshall should be given more time to prove his worth to the Blues.

"He hasn't had many opportunities," Mehrtens said, "I think [the critics] need to cut him a bit of slack. He's learning a new game, there are a lot of skills that cross over from league but you've got to be familiar with the game."

The New Zealand media has been using the "Benchy" Marshall line that was coined when the Wests Tigers dropped him to the bench in 2013.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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