Benji Marshall to the Blues?

[donmcdazzle]

Benji of abut 5 years ago would be worth it, but not now. He has been lacklustre over the last couple of seasons, certainly doesn't warrant that sort of a deal off the bat. He isn't even good enough for the kiwis so he surely won't ever make the ABs.. Seems like a marketing stunt more than anything else.

 

[nickdnz]

seems like the deal is being done, for 2 years.

good times, he is a quality player and importantly a smart player. He will adjust well. And he will bring people to eden park as i said.

I can't see him making the all blacks but the Olympics is not out of the question.

also wonder if this will mean that Barretts best option is to stay with the canes. Benji does seem more suited to 10 it would seem?

That's my thought and why I'm pleased.

My view is pretty much at worst - Benji will probably still be as good as Noakes so we don't really lose much. If he's signed for a two year deal and has a track record of loyalty, plus will have to earn any kind of AB call up - then I'm totally happy with this. Whatever he cost I'm sure he'll make up with buts on seats. I don't think his for is so doom and gloom either - two years ago he was still one of the best players in the NRL and hes not so old that physically he can't reach that form again.

 

[Larksea]

that's my thinking, was only a year ago he was maybe the star of the NRL, his mojo wont be too far away and he's a smart enough guy to adapt. With JK and Ted getting him sorted he will do good.

 

[donmcdazzle]

I'd still be ****led if I was a dude like Noakes or Kerr who are probably better 10s than Benji will turn out to be and they'll get about a third of the dosh. For all the grief over SBW's NZRU contract, at least he had played rugby for a couple of seasons and had showed he was legitimately good in union.

 

[nickdnz]

I'd still be ****led if I was a dude like Noakes or Kerr who are probably better 10s than Benji will turn out to be and they'll get about a third of the dosh. For all the grief over SBW's NZRU contract, at least he had played rugby for a couple of seasons and had showed he was legitimately good in union.

Well we don't know how much Benji will be paid. I'd be suprised if he didn't make a better 10 than Noakes to be honest, Kerr is probably a little hard done by but the reality is if the Blues bought Beuden Barrett they'd be in the same situation and it would be another NZRU franchise worse off.

I wasn't a fan of SBW getting signed huge bucks, but my bigger objection is that he was signing 1 year contracts while being given an easy ride into the All Blacks without playing Super Rugby (he only played in the ITM Cup for around 7 games before getting an AB position). The difference for me is Benji (if the rumors are correct) is signing a two year deal and has an exceptional history of loyalty with clubs. I'm much more in favour of a guy doing that than SBW signing just in time to get some glory and then f*cking off again to be welcomed back whenever it conveniences him. Also Benji may well play in the next ITM Cup before he plays Super Rugby - and I'm sure he wll have to earn his spot.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

From what I've heard Marshall won't be playing ITM Cup, he'll be going straight into the Blues next season.

 

[donmcdazzle]

Well we don't know how much Benji will be paid. I'd be suprised if he didn't make a better 10 than Noakes to be honest, Kerr is probably a little hard done by but the reality is if the Blues bought Beuden Barrett they'd be in the same situation and it would be another NZRU franchise worse off.

I wasn't a fan of SBW getting signed huge bucks, but my bigger objection is that he was signing 1 year contracts while being given an easy ride into the All Blacks without playing Super Rugby (he only played in the ITM Cup for around 7 games before getting an AB position). The difference for me is Benji (if the rumors are correct) is signing a two year deal and has an exceptional history of loyalty with clubs. I'm much more in favour of a guy doing that than SBW signing just in time to get some glory and then f*cking off again to be welcomed back whenever it conveniences him. Also Benji may well play in the next ITM Cup before he plays Super Rugby - and I'm sure he wll have to earn his spot.

It would have to be at least 500k you'd think. Surely he wouldn't cut his wage in half? It feels like a novelty signing to me regardless.

Have you guys watched the Tigers this year? Benji has been horrid. That game against the Warriors he was embarrassingly bad.

 

[nickdnz]

It would have to be at least 500k you'd think. Surely he wouldn't cut his wage in half? It feels like a novelty signing to me regardless.

Have you guys watched the Tigers this year? Benji has been horrid. That game against the Warriors he was embarrassingly bad.

Wouldn't be surprised if it was more like 250k - at least in term of 1st party pay, 3rd party sponsorship may boost it. I get the feeling Benji had accepted a big cut in pay (although even a half cut = $375k.)

I've watched the Tigers, but I never think 1 bad season = the end of class. Even in 2012 and especially in 2011 Benji was good - and at worst even if he is useless, he replaces Noakes who I don't rate for two season while getting high attendances at Eden Park. Providing what he sticks to his contract and gets judged on what he genuinely achieves I have no problem.

 

[donmcdazzle]

Wouldn't be surprised if it was more like 250k - at least in term of 1st party pay, 3rd party sponsorship may boost it. I get the feeling Benji had accepted a big cut in pay (although even a half cut = $375k.)

I've watched the Tigers, but I never think 1 bad season = the end of class. Even in 2012 and especially in 2011 Benji was good - and at worst even if he is useless, he replaces Noakes who I don't rate for two season while getting high attendances at Eden Park. Providing what he sticks to his contract and gets judged on what he genuinely achieves I have no problem.

i thought his contract was 750k AUD which is about 850 NZD? I can't imagine him wiping 600k off his annual income, and you're right the third party thing is what will push it up to the 500ish mark (I was including that in my guess). I seriously don't think he deserves even a 250k contract which is more than some of the ABs would be on.

You're probably right in that commercially it will be a good move; from a marketing standpoint he will bring a lot of interest and fans, at least initially. I just don't like that an unproven player on the wrong side of the age curve who hasn't been good in his own sport for at least a year gets preferential treatment and cash..

 

[nickdnz]

i thought his contract was 750k AUD which is about 850 NZD? I can't imagine him wiping 600k off his annual income, and you're right the third party thing is what will push it up to the 500ish mark (I was including that in my guess). I seriously don't think he deserves even a 250k contract which is more than some of the ABs would be on.

You're probably right in that commercially it will be a good move; from a marketing standpoint he will bring a lot of interest and fans, at least initially. I just don't like that an unproven player on the wrong side of the age curve who hasn't been good in his own sport for at least a year gets preferential treatment and cash..

I guess until we know what the signing conditions are it becomes a moot point. Regardless I feel that if the Blues want to take a punt on the guy its their money to do so, and I don't think any Blues 1st 5/8th has taken the oppertunity to make that jersey their own anyway. I'm not saying Benji will play like he did four years ago, but the fact hes signing more than a one year contract I find very refreshing.

In terms of preferential treatment - I'd be sharing your sentiments exactly if he was getting an easy ride in the All Blacks because the AB's should be a meritocracy, but I think accepting the Blues is a buisness this just seems like a good move to me. They get a player who pays for himself in marketing, is willing to sign 2+ year deals so development in the player isn't quickly wasted, and isn't likely to jump back into league.

For all the love of SBW he was 26 when he started playing for the Chiefs (only 2 years younger than Benji) - and people talked him up on his potential and itgave him a very easy ride into the AB's, but a load of good it did anyone as he was back to League within two years having only a series against Ireland as a starter.

 

[FlukeArtist]

seems like the deal is being done, for 2 years.

good times, he is a quality player and importantly a smart player. He will adjust well. And he will bring people to eden park as i said.

I can't see him making the all blacks but the Olympics is not out of the question.

also wonder if this will mean that Barretts best option is to stay with the canes. Benji does seem more suited to 10 it would seem?

Apparently Benji is being recruited as a fullback (with Piutau moving into the centres to replace Ranger)
This is an excellent move in my opinion, and the position that Benji Marshall is most suited to in rugby.

These reports also hint that Beuden Barrett is still considering joining his brother at the Blues (which I was hoping for more than Benji's signing).

 

[donmcdazzle]

Apparently Benji is being recruited as a fullback (with Piutau moving into the centres to replace Ranger)
This is an excellent move in my opinion, and the position that Benji Marshall is most suited to in rugby.

These reports also hint that Beuden Barrett is still considering joining his brother at the Blues (which I was hoping for more than Benji's signing).

Why would you replace Piutau with what will basically be an Orene Ai'i clone? Surely finding a centre would have been easier than having a makeshift/learn on the job centre and a convert fullback.

 

[Larksea]

I think Piutau would make a bloody good center, barrett would be fantastic for the blues and I'm thrying to stay posative about Benji

I know the whole Benji thing could fall on it's face but he is a class player and a new motivation may be just what he needs to get his mojo back. It could potentially work out to be a very good move.

 

[donmcdazzle]

I think Piutau would make a bloody good center, barrett would be fantastic for the blues and I'm thrying to stay posative about Benji

I know the whole Benji thing could fall on it's face but he is a class player and a new motivation may be just what he needs to get his mojo back. It could potentially work out to be a very good move.

He was a class league player, he is two years removed from being in any great vein of form. I'll happily eat my words if he turns out to be good, so quote my scepticism on this. I really can't see his skillset translating to either 10 or 15 very well. He doesn't have a long boot, isn't a good or even ok defender (did anyone else watch the game on the weekend? They ran a few tries straight through him), isn't that quick anymore.. what am I missing here?

I know he is/was a good playmaker, but it is so different in league. They basically only run second man plays and the defence is 10 metres back every time. He is a good short kicker, but that isn't really relevant to union so that won't translate across either.

Barrett is by far the more important signing, maybe they should have flagged Benji and thrown the 3rd party deal cash at him. Although sadly Benji will probably bring a few more through the gate than Barrett.

 

[FlukeArtist]

I think Piutau would make a bloody good center, barrett would be fantastic for the blues and I'm thrying to stay posative about Benji

I know the whole Benji thing could fall on it's face but he is a class player and a new motivation may be just what he needs to get his mojo back. It could potentially work out to be a very good move.

I'm with you here Larksea - I think Piutau wil be a better centre than fullback
In fact; I actually don't rate him as a fullback

 

[nickdnz]

But...Piatau doesn't pass...

 

[smartcooky]

He was a class league player, he is two years removed from being in any great vein of form. I'll happily eat my words if he turns out to be good, so quote my scepticism on this. I really can't see his skillset translating to either 10 or 15 very well. He doesn't have a long boot, isn't a good or even ok defender (did anyone else watch the game on the weekend? They ran a few tries straight through him), isn't that quick anymore.. what am I missing here?

I know he is/was a good playmaker, but it is so different in league. They basically only run second man plays and the defence is 10 metres back every time. He is a good short kicker, but that isn't really relevant to union so that won't translate across either.

Barrett is by far the more important signing, maybe they should have flagged Benji and thrown the 3rd party deal cash at him. Although sadly Benji will probably bring a few more through the gate than Barrett.

Interesting thing that people who aren't familiar with both codes don't really understand. The stand-off in League is not the direct positional equivalent of the fly-half in union.

In Union, at every breakdown, it is standard for the halfback to come to the tackle/ruck/maul, and the fly-half usually comes in at first receiver.

In League, at every play the ball (League's equivalent of the breakdown), its the dummy-half of the team in possession (usually the hooker) who comes to the base of the PTB; a forward (on defence) or the halfback (on attack) comes to first receiver.

Its only at scrum time that the positions are equivalent, and that brings up a problem. League players that play in the inside backs who switch to Union suddenly find they have to deal with something that is totally outside their previous experience. That something is called "the openside flanker"!!!

 

[donmcdazzle]

Interesting thing that people who aren't familiar with both codes don't really understand. The stand-off in League is not the direct positional equivalent of the fly-half in union.

In Union, at every breakdown, it is standard for the halfback to come to the tackle/ruck/maul, and the fly-half usually comes in at first receiver.

In League, at every play the ball (League's equivalent of the breakdown), its the dummy-half of the team in possession (usually the hooker) who comes to the base of the PTB; a forward (on defence) or the halfback (on attack) comes to first receiver.

Its only at scrum time that the positions are equivalent, and that brings up a problem. League players that play in the inside backs who switch to Union suddenly find they have to deal with something that is totally outside their previous experience. That something is called "the openside flanker"!!!

And even then it doesn't even match up anymore. Because there isn't a contest you get all sorts of random guys in the scrum. I've seen Billy Slater pack down on the back of one to pick it up and do some sort of move from the base.

 

[steblin]

Well the deal is done, 2 years for 500k NZD per season. Haven't seen the breakdown of that money but big investment.
As mentioned, all the talk seems to be about him 'starting' at fullback with Piatau moving to 13. From one point of view, I'm excited by the idea of Piatau to 13, the Blues have relied on the dynamism of Ranger all season, and Piatau could have all the attributes to be superb in that position. Also, from his perspective, the route of least resistance to the ABs.
However, with a player showing such promise, nervous about changing to accommodate a player who may not even stay at FB, if Benji eventually moves to 10. If Piatau moves to 13 I hope they stick with it regardless of where Benji plays.

 

[Jaguares]