Editorial: Where to now for our Benji?

Will he or won't he? That's been the question on many sports fans' minds when it comes to Whakatane's Benji Marshall. Will it be rugby or will it be league?

The former Kiwi league captain and a poster boy for the NRL for several years, appears to be in the twilight of his rugby league career.

With the twinkle-toed five-eighth not able to come to an agreement with his club, the West Tigers, and the 28-year-old's desire to be a one-club-only player, it appears Marshall's 10-year-stint with the side may be coming to an end.

His time in league has included winning a premiership title in 2005, becoming the captain of the Kiwis as well as being a part of a World Cup winning Kiwi side.

There hasn't been much Marshall hasn't achieved in his career and looking for something new to challenge himself doesn't seem an unreasonable thing to do.

I remember talking to Marshall once about his desires to one day wear an All Blacks jersey. He told me he was contracted to the Tigers until 2015 and by that time he wasn't sure if he'd have the legs for it.

Financially it would make little sense for Marshall to make the move to rugby but motivational-wise the dream of representing your country in both codes must have some sway and the added bonus of maybe making the Sevens team for Rio has to be something he will seriously want to consider.

Some in the Rotorua league community have expressed disappointment with Marshall - if he was to leave league. But to be fair, Marshall has been a great ambassador for the sport and you couldn't begrudge him wanting to try something else.