Sterlo: Where can Benji fit in?

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WITH 201 first grade games, a premiership title, 27 Test matches and a World Cup victory under his belt Benji Marshall has nothing to prove.

Except maybe to himself.

When the Kiwi star announced that he was switching codes at the end of last season, there was a feeling it wouldn't be the last we saw of him in the NRL. But we never thought it would only be a matter of months before he returned.

Obviously, rugby union wasn't a great fit for him.

The million dollar question now is where the best fit for him will be in rugby league.

BENJI: I HAVEN'T TALKED TO ANY CLUBS

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Now it's much more about opportunity than it is finances.

The moment Marshall said he was keen to return to Sydney, immediately his options halved. Of the remaining clubs, Manly, the Roosters and his old club Wests Tigers were never a realistic option.

And so the field became smaller again. Reports that Cronulla are favourites were not surprising. But the other question apart from which club he plays for is what position is he going to play?

While the Sharks have struggled this season, they have played their best football when halfback Jeff Robson is in the side. It is also when Todd Carney plays his best.

Benji Marshall needs to find a club — and a position to make the best of his talents. Source: News Limited

So I don't see him joining the halves there. And given I have a big wrap on fullback Michael Gordon, I wouldn't put him into the No. 1 jersey either.

It may seem strange but Benji may look at coming out of dummy-half in a similar utility fashion to Kurt Gidley.

Plenty of people will say he's not a strong defender but if you put him between a couple of big men it's not as difficult in the middle as it sounds.

WHAT POSITION SHOULD BENJI PLAY?

Elsewhere, fullback may be an option at the Bulldogs although Sam Perrett is making a good fist of things there.

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I'm excited that Benji is coming back to the NRL. Wherever he ends up I think he will be a different individual to the one who left.

Coming off a failed rugby venture, I'm not saying he will be chastened or humbled. But he comes back after a failure and is almost starting over again.

Personally, I thought a couple of seasons under Craig Bellamy at Melbourne would be a wonderful opportunity. His game would thrive under the Storm system.

Will Benji Marshall's NRL return be a success?

Pat Richards kicked Wests Tigers to victory over Parramatta. Source: News Corp Australia

FINISH OFF YOUR PREY

BENJI'S old club Wests Tigers have got off to a strong start although I'm confident if faced with a situation like in the Easter Monday game against Parramatta, when they led by a point, they will choose to finish differently.

With one minute 46 seconds left on the clock, the Tigers opted for a conversion thinking it would play out the game. But with the clock stopped before and after the kick, only 30 seconds elapsed — giving the Eels one more crack to win it.