Benji Marshall facts for kids
.jpg) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Personal information
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Benjamin Quentin Marshall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 25 February 1985 Whakatāne, New Zealand |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 91 kg (201 lb; 14 st 5 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Playing information
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Rugby league
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Five-eighth, Halfback | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Rugby union
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Fly-half / Fullback | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Coaching information
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
As of 6 April 2024
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Relatives | Jeremy Marshall-King (brother) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Benjamin Quentin Marshall (born 25 February 1985) is a famous New Zealand rugby league coach and former player. He is currently the head coach for the Wests Tigers team in the National Rugby League (NRL).
Benji played as a five-eighth or halfback for many teams, including the Wests Tigers, St. George Illawarra Dragons, Brisbane Broncos, and South Sydney Rabbitohs. He also played for the New Zealand Kiwis. For a short time, he even played professional rugby union for the Blues.
Marshall is known for his exciting style of play, with amazing sidesteps and special passes. In 2005, he helped the Wests Tigers win their first NRL Premiership. In 2010, he won the Rugby League World Golden Boot Award as the best international player. In 2022, he became an assistant coach for the Wests Tigers and later became their head coach.
Contents
- Early Life and School
- Rugby League Career
- Rugby Union Career
- Return to Rugby League
- Coaching Career
- Hall of Fame
- Media Appearances
- Images for kids
Early Life and School
Benji Marshall was born in Whakatāne, New Zealand, and is of Māori descent. He is the oldest of three brothers. His younger brother, Jeremy Marshall-King, also plays rugby league for the New Zealand Māori team. Benji was raised by his foster-father, Michael Doherty, and other important men in his family.
When he was 16, Benji received a scholarship to attend Keebra Park State High School in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. While living there, he played junior rugby league for the Nerang Roosters. He even played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 2003. Even though he could have played for Australia, Benji chose to represent his home country, New Zealand, early in his career.
Rugby League Career
Playing for Wests Tigers (2003–2013)
Starting His Career (2003–2004)
Benji Marshall made his first NRL game for the Wests Tigers in July 2003. He was only 18 years old. In his first season, he scored one try in four games.
In 2004, Benji helped the Wests Tigers win the World Sevens competition before the season started. He played well, but he dislocated his shoulder twice, which meant he missed many games. He ended the year with two tries from seven matches.
Winning the Premiership (2005)
In 2005, Benji had a great season. He played five-eighth and showed off his amazing passing, running, and kicking skills. He scored many tries and helped his teammates score too.
Benji was a key player when the Wests Tigers won the 2005 NRL grand final against the North Queensland Cowboys. He made a famous 90-meter "flick pass" that led to a try, which is still remembered as one of the best in Grand Final history. After this, he was chosen to play for New Zealand in the Tri Nations tour, but he had to miss it due to another shoulder surgery.
Dealing with Injuries (2006–2007)
In 2006, Benji returned from surgery but broke his cheekbone in the first game. He kept playing and helped his team win. However, he dislocated his shoulder again later in the season, which ended his year early.
In 2007, Benji had to take on more responsibility for the Tigers, including goal kicking. He was selected for the New Zealand team but suffered another fractured shoulder in May, missing more games.
World Cup Champions (2008)
Benji's injury problems continued in 2008 when he tore a knee ligament early in the season. He returned to play later that year.
He was chosen for the New Zealand team for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. Benji captained New Zealand for the first time against England. He scored a try and kicked two goals in the World Cup final, helping the Kiwis win their first-ever World Cup against Australia. They were considered "massive underdogs" for that game.
.jpg)
Becoming Kiwis Captain (2009)
In 2009, Benji started playing halfback for the Wests Tigers. He quickly made a big impact in his new role.
In March, Benji signed a new contract to stay with the Wests Tigers until the end of 2011. After the New Zealand captain retired, Benji was named the new captain for the Kiwis. He was also named one of the top five-eighths in the world by the Rugby League International Federation.
.jpg)
Golden Boot Winner (2010)
In 2010, Benji extended his contract with the Tigers until 2015, saying he wanted to be a "one-club man." As the New Zealand captain, he was automatically chosen for the NRL All Stars game.
Benji scored two tries against the Parramatta Eels, becoming the Wests Tigers' highest try-scorer ever. He also kicked a 51-meter field goal against the Gold Coast Titans, which was one of the longest in NRL history. 2010 was the first year Benji played without missing a game due to injury, and he was in top form.
He led the Kiwis to victory in the 2010 Four Nations tournament, setting up two tries in what was called "perhaps the finest game of his life." He then won the Rugby League World Golden Boot Award for the best international player of the year.
Top Scorer and Dally M Award (2011)
As New Zealand captain, Benji was again selected for the 2011 All Stars Match.
In 2011, Benji scored tries against every team in the NRL. He also became the Wests Tigers' highest point-scorer in the club's history. Benji was the top point-scorer for the 2011 NRL season. He won the Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year award and came second in the Dally M Player of the Year voting.
After the season, he played for the Kiwis in the 2011 Four Nations tournament in England. He was also named the stand-off halfback of the year at the annual RLIF Awards.
_(cropped).jpg)
More Records (2012)
Benji captained the NRL All Stars team to victory in 2012. He played in almost every game for the Wests Tigers and led the NRL in try assists and line-break assists.
In the second-to-last game of the season, Benji scored two goals, becoming the first Wests Tigers player to score one thousand points. He was also nominated for the Dally M halfback of the year award.
After the season, Benji played his 20th game as New Zealand test captain, breaking the record for most games as captain for the Kiwis.
Leaving the Tigers (2013)
In 2013, Benji was again selected for the 2013 NRL All Stars game. However, the New Zealand coach decided to drop him as the team's captain. Benji said it was the "proudest moment" of his career to captain his country.
Later that year, with the Wests Tigers losing many games, Benji was moved to the bench. He admitted he was not playing well and lacked confidence. In July, he decided to leave the Wests Tigers to try playing rugby union. He finished the season and left the club as their all-time top try and point scorer.
Career Highlights
- First Game: 2003 – For Wests Tigers against Newcastle Knights.
- Premierships: 2005 – Wests Tigers beat North Queensland Cowboys in the Grand Final.
- New Zealand Debut: 2005 – For New Zealand against Australia.
- New Zealand Captain: 2008–2012.
- World Cups: 2008 – New Zealand beat Australia in the World Cup Final.
- NRL All Stars Debut: 2010 – For NRL All Stars against Indigenous All Stars.
- NRL All Stars Captain: 2012–2013.
Rugby Union Career
Playing for Auckland Blues (2014)
In August 2013, Benji started talking with the Blues team about playing Super Rugby in New Zealand. He wanted to play for the Auckland team.
Benji signed a two-year deal with the Blues. In February 2014, he made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues. He came off the bench and played fullback. In his first game, he helped set up a try.
On 15 March 2014, Benji played his first full game at fullback for the Blues. He scored his first Super Rugby try and helped set up two more tries for his teammates. Even though the Blues lost, Benji played very well.
However, after playing only six games, Benji was released from his contract with the Blues in April 2014.
Return to Rugby League
St. George Illawarra Dragons (2014–2016)
Back to Rugby League (2014)
On 9 May 2014, Benji signed a 2.5-year contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons. He played 15 games for them that year and scored 3 tries.
Strong Season (2015)
In 2015, Benji helped the Dragons reach the NRL finals for the first time in several years. They lost a close game in extra time.
Benji finished second in the 2015 Dally M Awards, which is a big award for the best player in the NRL.
Playing His 250th Game (2016)
On 24 July 2016, Benji played his 250th NRL game against his old club, the Wests Tigers. It was a special moment for him to reach such a big milestone against the team where he spent most of his career.
Brisbane Broncos (2017)
In 2017, Benji decided to join the Brisbane Broncos on a one-year deal. He wanted to enjoy playing the game again. He played 13 games for the Broncos, sometimes starting and sometimes coming off the bench.
Return to Wests Tigers (2018–2020)
Coming Home (2018)
In August 2017, Benji signed a deal to return to his first club, the Wests Tigers, for one year. He was named one of five co-captains for the team.
In his first game back in 2018, Benji played five-eighth due to a teammate's injury. He played a key role in the Tigers' surprise win. Benji said he was "just enjoying being back" and that it was a "dream come true." He played 21 games that season.
Veteran Experience (2019)
Benji signed another contract to stay with the Tigers for 2019. He was also selected to play for the New Zealand Kiwis again after seven years. He captained the team against Tonga, and they won 34–14.
Benji played 19 games for the Wests Tigers in the 2019 NRL season. He continued to play well and captained New Zealand in two more games, breaking the record for most matches as captain for the Kiwis (22 games).
Final Season at Tigers (2020)
In 2020, Benji continued to play strongly, even though he was one of the oldest players in the NRL. He scored a try, made two try assists, and started goal-kicking again. He said he was "proud of myself that I am still playing."
On 8 August, Benji played his 250th game for the Wests Tigers alongside his teammate Chris Lawrence. Towards the end of the 2020 NRL season, the Wests Tigers told Benji he would not be part of their plans for 2021. He played his final game for the club in round 20.
South Sydney Rabbitohs (2021)
Farewell Season (2021)
On 29 January 2021, Benji signed a one-year contract with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He made his debut for them in round 1.
In round 5, he scored his first try for South Sydney. In round 7, he scored two tries while playing at centre.
Benji played 22 games for South Sydney in the 2021 NRL season, including the 2021 NRL Grand Final against Penrith. After the Grand Final, Benji announced his retirement from playing rugby league on 6 October. He then signed a two-year contract with Fox Sports to work as a sports analyst.
In 2022, Benji Marshall was honored with the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his great contributions to rugby league.
Coaching Career
Wests Tigers (2024–Present)
In 2022, it was announced that Benji Marshall would become an assistant coach for the Wests Tigers under Tim Sheens. The plan was for Benji to take over as head coach in 2025.
However, because the Tigers had a tough season in 2023, Tim Sheens left his role early. Benji Marshall became the head coach a year earlier than planned. He took over for the last few games of the 2023 season, and the Tigers won one of those games, breaking a 10-game losing streak.
Benji officially became the head coach for the Wests Tigers starting in 2024. He earned his first win as head coach in round 3 of the 2024 NRL season against Cronulla. In his first full season as head coach, the team finished with the Wooden Spoon, winning six games.
Hall of Fame
In August 2024, the National Rugby League announced that Benji Marshall was inducted into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame. He became the 123rd player to receive this honor, recognized for his amazing career in rugby league.
Media Appearances
In 2022, Benji Marshall appeared on the sixth season of The Celebrity Apprentice Australia. On June 21, he was declared the winner of the show. He raised over $487,000 for his chosen charity, Souths Cares.
Images for kids
-
Benji Marshall against England at the 2008 RLWC
