Benji Marshall to the Blues?

[smartcooky]

I find it humorous watching and listening to idiot sports jocks like Mark Watson writing Marshall off before he's even got on the park. Seriously, how does that loser keep his job at RadioSport.

I am a believer that class players in both codes are all capable of making the switch, and there is no doubt the Marshall is a class player. I will watch with interest and an open mind to see how he goes.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Good luck to him.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Will he still be available for the Kiwi's this year in the World cup?

 

[smartcooky]

Will he still be available for the Kiwi's this year in the World cup?

No. He has already declared himself unavailable for the RLWC

 

[UilamOsa]

Not my first choice but I think Sir Graham's going to have contribute more than Defence next year. If we operate a dominant 2 pivot offense we'll keep teams scrambling and provide an offensive line that Benji will be more use too and should allow him to transfer his skills right across.

Although I think Piutau would make a better centre, I'd rather not lose his match awareness at full back. It would've been easier if we had more experienced wings to accomodate Benji but a lack of experience EVERYWHERE is making it tougher.

I'd actually put out a lukewarm offer for Ma'a to come back.

I'm not giving up my Warriors season tickets for the Blues yet...but I just might pay for decent eden park tickets next year and give the couch a rest.

 

[ABs2011]

Did anyone watch 60 minutes the other night?

My stance on Benji is that moving to Union is a good move for him, but a mistake for the Blues. Reason being is that it seemed clear Benji needed a change - he was in a rubbish NRL side with all sorts of issues (and he was never going to switch NRL clubs) and he was not going too well in the Kiwi's camp. Rugby seems an obvious choice for him then IF he is 100% committed - worst case scenario he fails in his NZ bid but makes a packet in Japan or France.

From the Blues point of view though it is a MASSIVE risk. I don't think the timing is very good. I would have liked to have seen Benji do what SBW did; play a club game or two, then an ITM cup season, and THEN try and work into a regular Super Rugby gig. Instead they will dump him straight into Super Rugby which strikes me as a money thing more than anything.... The Blues need a classy 10 (amongst other things) it seems to me they are hoping Benji will be it. I hope he is but I am not confident.

In saying all that, I watched 60minutes last night and was reminded just how much of a talent Benji was. How determined he is, and how many things out of his control may have led to his poor form over the last couple of years. It gave me a bit more confidence that he will make a good go of it in Rugby. I also constantly need to remind my self that he isnt as old as you expect from a guy that has been in the NRL for 10 years (He's only 28!!).
Started to question my original thoughts and consider that maybe he can fulfill his dream....

I'm looking forward to seeing him in action and I wish him all the best!! At the very least it will bring some crowds to Eden Park for a couple of weeks!</SPAN>

 

[admartian]

Did anyone watch 60 minutes the other night?

My stance on Benji is that moving to Union is a good move for him, but a mistake for the Blues. Reason being is that it seemed clear Benji needed a change - he was in a rubbish NRL side with all sorts of issues (and he was never going to switch NRL clubs) and he was not going too well in the Kiwi's camp. Rugby seems an obvious choice for him then IF he is 100% committed - worst case scenario he fails in his NZ bid but makes a packet in Japan or France.

From the Blues point of view though it is a MASSIVE risk. I don't think the timing is very good. I would have liked to have seen Benji do what SBW did; play a club game or two, then an ITM cup season, and THEN try and work into a regular Super Rugby gig. Instead they will dump him straight into Super Rugby which strikes me as a money thing more than anything.... The Blues need a classy 10 (amongst other things) it seems to me they are hoping Benji will be it. I hope he is but I am not confident.

In saying all that, I watched 60minutes last night and was reminded just how much of a talent Benji was. How determined he is, and how many things out of his control may have led to his poor form over the last couple of years. It gave me a bit more confidence that he will make a good go of it in Rugby. I also constantly need to remind my self that he isnt as old as you expect from a guy that has been in the NRL for 10 years (He's only 28!!).
Started to question my original thoughts and consider that maybe he can fulfill his dream....

I'm looking forward to seeing him in action and I wish him all the best!! At the very least it will bring some crowds to Eden Park for a couple of weeks!

Agreed.

I wonder if the Blues chasing Benji put off Beauden's move up here? If so - DAMN YOU BENJI!!!!!!!!

 

[ABs2011]

Agreed.

I wonder if the Blues chasing Benji put off Beauden's move up here? If so - DAMN YOU BENJI!!!!!!!!

Mmm you do have to wonder. It did seem at one stage that the Canes had lost Barrett so maybe it did. What the Blues really need is a tight 5, particulalry a couple of good locks. Whats the deal with Boric at the moment?

 

[Larksea]

Boric has gone to Japan but is keen on a return before the world cup

so true that with Ali and Boric gone they have a big hole to fill at lock, I'm hoping Moli will step up. Retalick impressed but they need another solid option.

the rest is a juggling act.

Piutau is expected to make a move to the midfield or wing and basically take over Rangers role, benji could play 10,12 or 15 but there are still gaps to fill. Moala could play midfield or wing. They have the building blocks for a good backline. Probably requires one or two options to present themselves during the ITM cup.

Kaino should also be a major target for the blues to cover #8

maybe just not enough though, JK has serious goals and expectations for the blues and he just needs more big names. I recon he will be chasing a big name winger and lock. He also needs to hunt some of the best under20 talent from the last couple years.

Not getting Barrett would have been a blow, having better results than the canes and being see as a team on the improve would have been a good recruitment pitch but it obviously was not enough.

 

[admartian]

I think Donnelly would be a good move up north, depending on his contract situation. Especially with Bird stepping up.

 

[ABs2011]

Yeah Boric I feel is in the same predicament as Kahui - injury prone and needs to make some $ while he can!

I don't rate Moala - he is good with the ball in hand but pretty rubbish thereafter. Hence I too agree they could do with a winger.

Focus really should be on locks (and additions to the front row).

So am I right in saying Crusaders have Taylor Bird Romano and Whitelock? Also did I hear correctly that the Blues were targetting Bird? Would have been a good pick up. The Blues really need to take a leaf out of Dave Rennie's book; create a formidable forward pack out of bugger all stars but a bunch of smart guys that can work perfectly as a team and all know and do their job! Two years ago when you looked at the Chiefs forward pack most of NZ wouldnt have been able to recognise many of the players at all....Now they've gone back to back!!

 

[Bryan Habanna]

End of story Benji is purely **** and weak to play rugby union in the first place and expecting him to wear an all blacks jersey is a humiliation towards the NZFRU and to the whole rugby community. if be hi played for the Blues his mostly like to be a sub but he might play as centre or wing but he'll never play as a fly half because he'll get smashed. Honestly I think that Benji was a good rugby league player for the Wests tigers but his last 2 years was stressful after losing his best mate Beau Ryan and Chris Highington to the sharks and have a **** coach. That's why benji left the NRL.

 

[ABs2011]

End of story Benji is purely **** and weak to play rugby union in the first place </SPAN>and expecting him to wear an all blacks jersey is a humiliation towards the NZFRU and to the whole rugby community. if be hi played for the Blues his mostly like to be a sub but he might play as centre or wing but he'll never play as a fly half because he'll get smashed. Honestly I think that Benji was a good rugby league player for the Wests tigers but his last 2 years was stressful after losing his best mate Beau Ryan and Chris Highington to the sharks and have a **** coach. That's why benji left the NRL.

Haha, wow, what a ridiculas comment. Probably doesnt deserve a reply but what the heck Weak to play rugby? I'm not even sure what that means....

Benji is one of the best League players NZ has ever had. In his prime he was a master, controlled the game, won the RLWC and the NRL. Things have gone to custard for him in the NRL and he has left (that part you got right). But why can't he have a crack at transferring those skills across to Union? He is young enough, if he is determined and smart enough and I think he has a reasonable chance of being at the least a successful Super Rugby player...who knows maybe even an AB (although I doubt it).

I take it you didn't watch the 20-20 doco on him, nor the prime of his league career?? If you did I suspect you would give him a bit more respect......Benji is pursuing a lifelong dream of being an AB. He has a good attitude about him, he is a loyal player, a patriotic NZer and I think good on him for giving Union a crack. He could have taken the money and played rugby overseas, he could have broken his promise and signed with another NRL club, but instead he is putting a lot on the line to live his dream. I hope he proves idiots like you wrong.</SPAN>

 

[Bryan Habanna]

Haha, wow, what a ridiculas comment. Probably doesnt deserve a reply but what the heck Weak to play rugby? I'm not even sure what that means....

Benji is one of the best League players NZ has ever had. In his prime he was a master, controlled the game, won the RLWC and the NRL. Things have gone to custard for him in the NRL and he has left (that part you got right). But why can't he have a crack at transferring those skills across to Union? He is young enough, if he is determined and smart enough and I think he has a reasonable chance of being at the least a successful Super Rugby player...who knows maybe even an AB (although I doubt it).

I take it you didn't watch the 20-20 doco on him, nor the prime of his league career?? If you did I suspect you would give him a bit more respect......Benji is pursuing a lifelong dream of being an AB. He has a good attitude about him, he is a loyal player, a patriotic NZer and I think good on him for giving Union a crack. He could have taken the money and played rugby overseas, he could have broken his promise and signed with another NRL club, but instead he is putting a lot on the line to live his dream. I hope he proves idiots like you wrong.</SPAN>

I respect him but I think that Benji is too weak to play Rugby Union. Rugby Union and Rugby League are different types of Rugby. Rugby League for benji was easy because most of the halfbacks and Stand-offs (Five-Eighths) are using small and not that tough but In Union, if Benji wants to be a Fly-Half or Centre he has to be strong just look at Dan Carter as a example ( he is too strong for Benji). Also in Union you have tackle nearly everyone but in league its just Halfback on Halfback, Winger on Winger and etc. I think Benji wouldn't fulfill is dream to become an All black and if he does then he might be a reserve. The best example of a rugby league player going to union , Wendell Sailor. Played for the Queensland Reds and he failed so he went back to league in 2009.

P.S- Best New Zealand Rugby League player would be SBW not BQM

 

[ABs2011]

I respect him but I think that Benji is too weak to play Rugby Union. Rugby Union and Rugby League are different types of Rugby. Rugby League for benji was easy because most of the halfbacks and Stand-offs (Five-Eighths) are using small and not that tough but In Union, if Benji wants to be a Fly-Half or Centre he has to be strong just look at Dan Carter as a example ( he is too strong for Benji). Also in Union you have tackle nearly everyone but in league its just Halfback on Halfback, Winger on Winger and etc. I think Benji wouldn't fulfill is dream to become an All black and if he does then he might be a reserve. The best example of a rugby league player going to union , Wendell Sailor. Played for the Queensland Reds and he failed so he went back to league in 2009.

P.S- Best New Zealand Rugby League player would be SBW not BQM

I'm no league expert, but I know that your statement is completely false. "in Union you have tackle nearly everyone but in league its just Halfback on Halfback, Winger on Winger and etc." You clearly havent watched much league. Depending on where the little guys defend, usually out on the edges flanked by a second rower and centre, they get big fullahs running at them all the time....That is one of the basic tactics in league; run your big fullahs at the little fullahs.

Another point, if youve ever heard a league/Union covert talking about the differences in the two the one things that is consistently said is the tackling is much tougher. In union when a player runs at you the goal is to turn get the ball, in league the goal is to smash the ball carrier. It the tackle situation league is much more confrontational. Benji will be fine in Union in this respect. There is no way he will be too weak to play...

As for converts from league to union? How about Israel Folau, Brad Thorne, Lote Tuquiri, SBW?? Think you've missed some pretty major recent converts!!

 

[Bryan Habanna]

I'm no league expert, but I know that your statement is completely false. "in Union you have tackle nearly everyone but in league its just Halfback on Halfback, Winger on Winger and etc." You clearly havent watched much league. Depending on where the little guys defend, usually out on the edges flanked by a second rower and centre, they get big fullahs running at them all the time....That is one of the basic tactics in league; run your big fullahs at the little fullahs.

Another point, if youve ever heard a league/Union covert talking about the differences in the two the one things that is consistently said is the tackling is much tougher. In union when a player runs at you the goal is to turn get the ball, in league the goal is to smash the ball carrier. It the tackle situation league is much more confrontational. Benji will be fine in Union in this respect. There is no way he will be too weak to play...

As for converts from league to union? How about Israel Folau, Brad Thorne, Lote Tuquiri, SBW?? Think you've missed some pretty major recent converts!!

JUst watch this Video benji getting pumped by a winger


[video=youtube_share;yc36YVrN584]http://youtu.be/yc36YVrN584[/video]







NO OFFENCE TO ANY KIWIS

 

[ABs2011]

JUst watch this Video benji getting pumped by a winger
NO OFFENCE TO ANY KIWIS

Good video but I thought you said in league halfbacks only tackle halfbacks:

I respect him but I think that Benji is too weak to play Rugby Union. Rugby Union and Rugby League are different types of Rugby. Rugby League for benji was easy because most of the halfbacks and Stand-offs (Five-Eighths) are using small and not that tough but In Union, if Benji wants to be a Fly-Half or Centre he has to be strong just look at Dan Carter as a example ( he is too strong for Benji). Also in Union you have tackle nearly everyone but in league its just Halfback on Halfback, Winger on Winger and etc. I think Benji wouldn't fulfill is dream to become an All black and if he does then he might be a reserve. The best example of a rugby league player going to union , Wendell Sailor. Played for the Queensland Reds and he failed so he went back to league in 2009.

P.S- Best New Zealand Rugby League player would be SBW not BQM

Quite honestly you clearly havent got a clue - nice chatting with you.

 

[ABs2011]

Interesting to go back over this thread and see what people had to say when Benji signed with the Blues. Looks to me that there were several of us that got this one pretty much spot on!

 

[steblin]

Haha, yeah just had a good chuckle reading some of this ... well you have to laugh!!

Its funny, all the things worried about in here (most of which came to fruition!), certainly no one mentioned that if things turned sour he'd bolt half way through the first season ...

And on the flip side, all the positive people talked about, we saw tiny glimpses of them.

What a mess.

 

[donmcdazzle]

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.

Nice to see I was right about at least one thing this year!