ABs2011
First XV
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http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/9970982/Benji-Marshall-and-Blues-agree-release-deal
I'm not sure I buy the spin they are trying to put on this, but I guess we can only take things at face value. So for what it is worth I have no sympathy at all, nor much respect for what Benji has done here. I can't understand how or why he thought he would be an instant success at pretty much the highest level of Rugby. It's been pointed out many times already in the media and on here but even the most gifted take their time to make the transition; SBW took years to become a good Super Rugby player (let alone a good All Black), he played several seasons of lower level rugby both in NZ and abroad, so it beggars belief that Benji (a star seemingly on a massive decline), trying to play at arguably the most technically challenging position (five eight) was ever going to pick the game up as fast as it seems he thought he was going to - not even close. I honestly wonder why he even bothered? At best this just seems ridiculously naive, but to be honest IMHO I would be using much stronger words to describe what is easily the biggest failure in code transitions I have ever seen.
I do hope he finds his way again though, hopefully back in the NRL. He has been an exceptional talent, a great leader, and good role model for young players. You surely have to question his head space now, and I wouldn't put money on him getting back to his old form in the NRL. Good luck to him though.
Interested to hear others views to come out of this press conference and media release.
I'm not sure I buy the spin they are trying to put on this, but I guess we can only take things at face value. So for what it is worth I have no sympathy at all, nor much respect for what Benji has done here. I can't understand how or why he thought he would be an instant success at pretty much the highest level of Rugby. It's been pointed out many times already in the media and on here but even the most gifted take their time to make the transition; SBW took years to become a good Super Rugby player (let alone a good All Black), he played several seasons of lower level rugby both in NZ and abroad, so it beggars belief that Benji (a star seemingly on a massive decline), trying to play at arguably the most technically challenging position (five eight) was ever going to pick the game up as fast as it seems he thought he was going to - not even close. I honestly wonder why he even bothered? At best this just seems ridiculously naive, but to be honest IMHO I would be using much stronger words to describe what is easily the biggest failure in code transitions I have ever seen.
I do hope he finds his way again though, hopefully back in the NRL. He has been an exceptional talent, a great leader, and good role model for young players. You surely have to question his head space now, and I wouldn't put money on him getting back to his old form in the NRL. Good luck to him though.
Interested to hear others views to come out of this press conference and media release.
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