Benji Marshall on Scotland RL’s radar

Benji Marshall could make an unexpected return to international rugby league soon, in the dark blue of Scotland rather than the black of the Kiwis.

The St George-Illawarra Dragons stand-off has enjoyed a long and successful career in Australia, and captained New Zealand to the 2008 World Cup and 2010 Four Nations titles.

The SRL have confirmed that Marshall met with Scotland coach Steve McCormack in Sydney in June, when the coach was Down Under to meet players with Scottish eligibility.

Love Rugby League understands, however, that discussions are ongoing between the player and the SRL, as they look to establish his eligibility beyond doubt.

Scotland have been working hard in recent months to widen the pool of talent available to them, from youth and student level right up to the senior side.

Enticing more NRL and Super League players into the national side is just one plank of an overall development strategy,  which is working hard to ensure that more Scottish-born and raised youngsters are introduced to a pathway to professional success.

Some more surprising names are also expected to be in the Scotland squad for this year’s European Championship.