Where does Benji Marshall fit in?

[h=1]Benji will shine in the centres: Glenn[/h]
Brisbane second-row forward Alex Glenn says Benji Marshall will be in the Broncos' best 17 come Round 1 of the 2017 NRL Telstra Premiership season, with the Kiwi international expecting Marshall to slot into the centres following the retirement of Jack Reed.
Marshall is set to join Brisbane after coach Wayne Bennett offered the St George Illawarra discard a lifeline following a poor 2016 season.
The 31-year-old fell out of favour at the Dragons in 2016, bearing the brunt of much of the criticism directed at the club after their disappointing 11th-placed finish.
With his career at the crossroads, Marshall went to a man who has saved the careers of many troubled NRL stars – Bennett.
Once the NRL ratifies Marshall's deal he will arrive at Red Hill for day one of pre-season training, relieved to be still playing but unsure of his standing in the Broncos' squad.
A New Zealand international teammate of his in the past, Glenn said it wouldn't take Marshall long to show his worth and justify Bennett's decision to give him another chance.
"I think he will be in our best 17. He still has the skill set to be a force in the NRL," Glenn said.
"He has the passion and desire to make it. I'm sure he will rip straight into training because he will be out to impress his new club.
"I think he'll be good in the centres. He has a lot to give in that position. He is strong in both attack and defence.
"It'll be a great pre-season so we'll just have to see where he ends up. He'll fit into the club culture very well.
"Benji's been in the game for a long time and he's done nothing but positive things for rugby league."


A move from the halves to the centres looks to be the most obvious fit for Marshall at the Broncos, with his experience invaluable to Brisbane's young backline.
For Glenn this is the most important aspect of Marshall's impending arrival at the Broncos, with up-and-coming backs Tom Opacic, Jonus Pearson and Tautau Moga set to benefit hugely from the tutelage of the 2005 premiership winner.
"I was surprised when I heard he was coming up to Brisbane, but I was also excited at the same time," Glenn said.
"I've been privileged to play with him at a representative level so I know how good he can be and how much of a leader he is.
"He'll give a lot of guidance to some of younger players and he'll be a great mentor for the team.
"He has a lot of experience. He's basically done it all. It'll be great to run out in a Broncos jersey with him."

Benji will shine in the centres: Glenn - NRL.com
 
He'll definitely get a trial or three there I would assume. I would love to see Moga or Pangai blow it away in the trials though, I just love what those two offer.
 
I am happy we signed marshal but he can't replace hunt. Hunt just needs so help from benji, I think just chuck benji at center
 
I agree with Alex Glenn that Benji will be in the 17. No doubt about that.

Not entirely sold on him playing centre. That being said, it has worked before. Berrigan was great for us at centre in 2004 so Bennett knows what he is doing.
 
**** me dead, surely we have a better option for centre than a 30 year old bloke who's never played there before.
 
Cant see Marshall playing in the centres. Bennett has a tendency to like big bodies out wide and Benji doesnt fit into that category at all!
 
I agree with Alex Glenn that Benji will be in the 17. No doubt about that.

Not entirely sold on him playing centre. That being said, it has worked before. Berrigan was great for us at centre in 2004 so Bennett knows what he is doing.

Berrigan was a tackling machine. Benji has spent his career avoiding all possible contact.
 
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I don't think Benji plays centre, he is purely a depth signing (and a cheap way) to put pressure on the Hunt and Milford to make sure they are putting in each week. If either drop off Benji can be slotted in to remind them of what is expected.
 
Not sure about center with his continual hammy issues last year. Also not sure what Glenn is basing this strong defense from... maybe he just never wants to be out in the centers again and is talking up everyone.

Also with hunt and milf both off contract in 2018 he may also be insurance in case we lose one of them to a rival bidder...
 
I'm thinking he could be a similar type of attacking player to Hodges.
 
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I am happy we signed marshal but he can't replace hunt. Hunt just needs so help from benji, I think just chuck benji at center

Why can he not replace Hunt? Hunt cost us a grand final remember and had a pretty ordinary season last year.

In saying that, signing Benji is a disaster and putting him into the centres would highlight that even more when other teams start either running around him or through him.
 
Why can he not replace Hunt? Hunt cost us a grand final remember and had a pretty ordinary season last year.

In saying that, signing Benji is a disaster and putting him into the centres would highlight that even more when other teams start either running around him or through him.

Hunt didn't cost us the GF, and he had an infinitely better season than Benji.
 

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