Rabbitohs sign Kiwi International Benji Marshall

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The South Sydney Rabbitohs are pleased to announce the signing of New Zealand Kiwis international Benji Marshall on a one-year contract for season 2021 today.

Marshall, 35, is recognised as one of the modern day legends of the game having represented New Zealand in 31 Test matches, winning an NRL premiership in 2005 with the Wests Tigers and having played in excess of 300 NRL games.

Marshall has played under Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett previously at the Brisbane Broncos, as well as with the New Zealand Kiwis when they won the World Cup together in 2008 and with the NRL All Stars where Benji was captain in 2012 and 2013. He was awarded the Golden Boot as the best player in the world in 2010, was crowned the Dally M five-eighth of the year in 2011 and was announced as the RLIF five-eighth of the year in 2009 and 2011.

Rabbitohs Head of Football, Mark Ellison, says everyone is excited to be welcoming Benji to the cardinal and myrtle.

"Anyone who follows Rugby League will understand what an asset Benji Marshall will be for our team and our Club throughout 2021," Rabbitohs Head of Football Mark Ellison said.

He is a leader of men, he has been playing at the highest levels of the game over a long and distinguished career, he comes with the highest of recommendations from Wayne (Bennett), he will provide great support to the experienced halves pairing we have in Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker and his experience and knowledge that he can pass down to the young up-and-coming halves we have at the Club will be priceless.
- Mark Ellison
Head of Football

"He has a great profile within the game as well as external to Rugby League and we're all looking forward to having him join our Club and showing everyone that Benji has still got what it takes to make a difference during an NRL Premiership campaign.

"I'm sure our Members will welcome him with open arms and we all look forward to working with him over the upcoming season."

Marshall is grateful to have the opportunity to join the Rabbitohs in 2021.

"I have a lot of gratitude to get the opportunity to play again in the NRL

"I couldn't sleep last night, I was that excited. It felt like it was the first day at school.

"It's an opportunity for me to not only play, but to go out winning a competition. With this squad here, the coaches, it's a great opportunity for that and that's my goal.

I feel very lucky and grateful to be joining a Club with a history like Souths' with the players that have played here before.
- Benji Marshall

"It's been a great club for so long and to be playing here is very special to me.

"The Rabbitohs fan base, as well, is so big, vocal and passionate and I'm really looking forward to playing for the Souths Members rather than against them this year."

Biography  

Name: Benji Marshall
Date of Birth: 25 February 1985
Place of Birth: Whakatane, NZ
Position: Five-eighth/Halfback
Height: 183cm
Weight: 92kg
Junior Club: Keebra Park
Previous Clubs: Tigers (2003-13, 2018-20); Broncos (2017); Dragons (2014-16); Auckland Blues RU (2014)
NRL Games: 324 (257 for the Tigers, 54 for the Dragons and 13 for the Broncos. Also played six Super Rugby matches for Auckland Blues RU)
NRL Points: 1220 (from 1181 points for Tigers [84 tries, 416 goals, 13 field goals], 35 points for Dragons [eight tries and three field goals] and four points for Broncos [from one try]. Also scored ten points for Auckland Blues RU from one try, one conversion and one penalty goal)
NRL Debut: Tigers vs Knights, Campbelltown Stadium, 27 July 2003 (Rd 20)
NRL Premierships: One (2005)
Rep Honours: 31 Tests for New Zealand (2005-19); World Cup (2008-champions); Four Nations (2009-11); four games for NRL All Stars (2010-13)
Awards: Golden Boot (2010); Dally M Five-eighth of the Year (2011); RLIF Five-eighth of the Year (2009, 2011)