ivanhungryjak
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- Sep 8, 2009
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No Cookies | Daily TelegraphBENJI Marshall is set for a chilly unveiling in Broncos colours after utility Kodi Nikorima was ruled out of Brisbane’s trip to England.Nikorima will not make the trip overseas for the World Club Series in February as he continues his recovery from a shoulder reconstruction.
The livewire utility is not expected to miss much, if any, of the NRL season, but his unavailability during the pre-season trials has opened the door for Marshall to snare Brisbane’s No. 14 jersey.
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Coach Wayne Bennett is still undecided about what role Marshall will play for the Broncos next season.
Benji Marshall at Broncos training. Pic Annette DewHe will not unseat Ben Hunt or Anthony Milford in the halves, meaning his best opportunity at a regular first-grade berth could be from the bench.
Marshall could make an appearance at the Auckland Nines in early February, possibly alongside fellow 2005 Wests Tigers premiership winner Scott Prince.
But his first appearance in a fully fledged game may be against Super League runner’s up Warrington Wolves on February 18.
Marshall, 31, has impressed Broncos staff during the opening weeks of pre-season training while Bennett ran his eye over the ex-Dragons halfback for the first time this week.
One player itching to run out alongside his childhood hero is young forward Jai Arrow.
Arrow, 21, came through the same Gold Coast league nursery, Keebra Park, as Marshall, albeit 10 years later.
“He was one of the best in the game when I was at Keebra,” Arrow said.
“He was actually one of my idols growing up so it’s pretty special having him here.
“Our coach Greg Lenton spoke about him a lot and how his work ethic was good. He always did the right thing and made himself the best he could.
Benji Marshall at Broncos training. Pic Annette Dew“(We were told) if you stick your head down and get the work done it could all happen for you, just like it was happening for Benji.
“He was a great player. He had the fancy step. Kids look up to that when they’re growing up and notice it.”
It would be a must-watch event if the retired Prince and Marshall paired up again in Auckland, 12 years after their grand final heroics.
But Bennett could also look to take the pressure off Marshall by resting him from the fast-paced format of the game where he would be under pressure to perform.
Nikorima will be joined on the sidelines for the start of the season by impressive centre Tom Opacic, who underwent two shoulder operations during the off-season.
Opacic is expected to miss the opening month of the NRL season, but the rest of the Broncos squad is tracking well.
