Benji Marshall leaving field

As seen on 1news.co.nz

Former Kiwis star Benji Marshall is one of 11 new players to be inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame.

Marshall is in good company for the 2024 inductees list as he joins the Hall of Fame alongside legends of the game such as Jonathan Thurston, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith.

The 39-year-old made his debut for Wests Tigers in 2003 and went on to make over 250 appearances in two stints for the Sydney-based club. He won the 2005 NRL Grand Final as the Tigers beat the North Queensland Cowboys 30-16 to claim their first and only title.

He spanned a 19-year long career in the NRL, playing for St George Illawarra, Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the latter part of his career.

Marshall also made 31 appearances for the Kiwis and was part of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup winning side.

He becomes the fourth Kiwi to make the prestigious list, with Mark Graham, Stacey Jones and Ruben Wiki.

Marshall made a short code switch in 2014, returning to New Zealand to play for the Blues in Super Rugby, but failed to make his mark in his switch to Rugby Union.

Born in Whakatāne, Marshall moved to Australia when he was 16.

He returned to his former club this season as head coach of the Wests Tigers, but things haven’t gone to plan as they currently anchor the NRL ladder, after winning four games this season.

A special ceremony is set to be held August 21 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, to formally announce the 11 players into the Hall of Fame.

2024 NRL Hall of Fame Inductees:

Players: Lionel Morgan, Les Boyd, Ben Elias, Steve Renouf, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Benji Marshall, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis, Sam Burgess.

Administrators: Ken Arthurson, John Quayle