Benji Marshall set for rugby league return

Former World Cup winning stand-off Benji Marshall is set to return to the NRL after playing just six games of rugby union.

Marshall, 29, missed last autumn’s World Cup having decided to switch codes with Auckland Blues, but he has now secured a release from his contract in the 15-man code after just one start.

Cronulla are being tipped as favourites to sign the Kiwi, although it is believed a clause with his former club Wests Tigers means he isn’t allowed to play for a rival NRL team until 2016, unless agreed otherwise.

Less than a year ago, Marshall said he would never play against the Tigers, when announcing his move to rugby union.

He said: “I will honour my words about not playing for another (NRL) club. There is no other NRL club for me to play for. The Tigers are my home and will always be my home. I have seen guys like Mark O’Neill leave, go to England and then come back to the club. I am hoping to do the same in some capacity after I retire.”

Melbourne, St George and Brisbane are also linked with the former Golden Boot winner, who scored more than 1100 points in 201 appearances for the Tigers between 2003 and 2013.

An unlikely switch to Super League, with Salford owner Dr Marwan Koukash reportedly keen, was blatantly ruled out by “Benji’s” manager last week.

Marshall scored a try and two goals when New Zealand defeated Australia to claim their first ever World Cup title back in 2008.