The Sports Corner

Is another rugby league defection imminent?

Only two weeks after leading his New Zealand team to victory in the Rugby League World Cup in Brisbane, star five eighth Benji Marshall appears set to make a shock defection to rugby union.

It is understood that Marshall, who is about to leave for holidays in Whistler, Canada, will inform his rugby league club, Wests Tigers, that he intends to take up a lucrative rugby contract in England, France or Japan and join recent league defectors Sonny Bill Williams, Mark Gasnier, Craig Gower, Ryan Cross and Timana Tahu.

Whilst speculation that a link to England or France is possible, it is also being reported that a Japanese rugby club could be willing to spend as much as $1.49 million a year for Marshall’s services. A figure comparable to what Williams and Gasnier receive playing in France.

Another advantage is Japan plays its rugby season from September to February, allowing Marshall to potentially move back to rugby league after one season without missing substantial time.

Marshall is under contract for 2009 with the Wests Tigers, a team which he has played for since he was 17. It is understood the Tigers will take a hardline about any proposed transfer or sabbatical in the off-season to play in Japan and want Marshall to re-sign with the club long term.

However, as was seen earlier this year in Sonny Bill Williams case, the club cannot effectively stop Marshall from defecting to rugby overseas despuite having a binding contract with the player, its only recourse is instituting lengthy Court proceedings in Australia and the country where Marshall ultimately signs. Even then, as with Williams, a financial settlement is preferable for both sides. 

For his part, it appears Marshall has told close friends that he intends to honour his 2009 contract with the Tigers and then head to rugby.

If Marshall were to defect before the 2009 season it would be another blow to rugby league which has seen its talent pool plundered by foreign rugby clubs who are offering contracts no club can afford to match. The lure of foreign money has not had the same effect on Australian rugby union players who are unable to play for the national team unless they stay contracted in the season prior to an international tour in the Super 14 or a local grade competition.