Benji eying World Cup berth for NZ

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Benji Marshall of the Tigers runs with the ball. Source: Matt King / Getty Images

AMBITIOUS? Driven? Or just delusional?

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Wests Tigers star Benji Marshall revealed his football plans to represent New Zealand at the rugby league World Cup and then become a rugby union All Black. 

Despite his career sliding, Marshall, it appears, still wants it all.

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Marshall, who has signed with the Auckland Blues Super Rugby franchise, wants to represent Steve Kearney's Kiwis in England later this year before then pulling on an All Blacks jumper ahead of Dan Carter and Aaron Cruden. 

During a press conference at Concord Oval yesterday, Marshall also refused to apologise for wearing a Blues jumper in a You Tube announcement while still contracted with Wests Tigers. 

Despite defecting to rugby union, Marshall still wants to play in the rugby league World Cup.

"Absolutely," he said.

"It's something that I have always done proudly throughout my career. That is to represent New Zealand.

"One of the proudest moments of my life was being captain of New Zealand. Yeah, absolutely."

Pressed on whether he could then become an All Black, Marshall said: "Absolutely.

"I know it is going to be a tough ask and a tough switch but that is what it's about.

"You've to have challenges in your life to strive for.

"If I don't look to make it to the top I don't think it would be a success.

"I've got a lot of hard work to do, no doubt. If I can achieve what I want to achieve with the Blues then it will go a long way to achieving the All Blacks."

Marshall wore a Blues jumper to announce his shift to rugby union, angering Tigers officials and fans.

Asked did he regret his decision, Marshall said: "What's been done has been done.

"At the end of the day that's where my job is going to lie next year and they wanted to put that out and release. That's over. 

"As far as I'm concerned, I don't need to comment on that.

"I am happy to talk about the Tigers but I won't be talking about that."

Marshall though was pressed on the issue.

Asked how Tigers fans would have felt, Marshall said: "Like I said, what's been done is done.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and if people feel that, they feel that way.

"At the end of the day I had to put out what I put out for the Blues sake.

"We're not in finals contention so it was the time to do it."

Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter attacked Marshall on Sydney radio.

"Yeah I see it a little bit like that but I think it's more just in bad taste," Potter told Sky Sports Radio. 

"I wouldn't say it's naivety because I think Benji probably knows better."

Marshall strangely dismissed Potter's criticism.

"He actually didn't rip me hard. He actually called me last night to me it was quite the opposite,'' Marshall said.

"The relationship between myself and the coach is great. No dramas there.''

Marshall will leave rugby league under a black cloud.

Tigers CEO Grant Mayer admitted yesterday it would be a "sad" departure.

Asked would his legacy be tarnished, Marshall said: "I don't think it should to be honest.

"As far as I am concerned, what I have done for the game on a personal level — not only on the field but also off the field — has been quite positive. 

"There has been a number of negative stories about me throughout my time in rugby league that I haven't had a lot to do with.

"I have made quite a positive impact on rugby league and that was my goal, to be leave the best legacy possible and be a great role-model for children. 

"I am proud of what I have done."

Wests Tigers centre Blake Ayshford said players were trying to ignore the dramas at Concord.

"I don't know what is going on with a lot of the stuff," he said. 

"I don't really know most of the stuff that goes on.

"I am not going to judge or criticise anyone in this club for what has happened."

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